Saturday, August 25, 2012

Tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic


Generic Name: tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic (TOE bra MYE sin and DEX a METH a sone off THAL mik)

Brand names: Tobradex, TobraDex ST


What is tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic?

Tobramycin is an antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections.


Dexamethasone is a steroid. Dexamethasone ophthalmic is used to treat the swelling associated with bacterial infections of the eye.


Tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.

Tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.


What is the most important information I should know about tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic?


Contact your doctor if the symptoms begin to get worse or if you do not see any improvement in the condition after a few days.


Do not touch the dropper or tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper or tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.

Apply light pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down your tear duct.


What should I discuss with my doctor before using tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic?


Do not use tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic if you have a viral or fungal infection in the eye. It is used to treat infections caused by bacteria only. It is not known whether tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic?


Use tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic eye drops or ointment exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.


Wash your hands before and after using the eye drops or ointment.


To apply the eye drops:



  • Shake the drops gently to be sure the medicine is well mixed. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops. If you are using drops in both eyes, repeat the process in the other eye.



To apply the ointment:



  • Hold the tube in your hand for a few minutes to warm it up so that the ointment comes out easily. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down gently on your lower eyelid. Apply a thin film of the ointment into your lower eyelid. Close your eye and roll your eyeball around in all directions for 1 to 2 minutes. If you are applying another eye medication, allow at least 10 minutes before application of the other medication.




Do not touch the dropper or tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper or tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye. Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it. Store tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle or tube properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose?


Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.


What happens if I overdose?


An overdose of this medication is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose or if the medication has been ingested, contact an emergency room or poison control center for advice.


What should I avoid while using tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic?


Do not touch the dropper or tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper or tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision, avoid these activities.

If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor if you should wear them during treatment with tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic. After applying the medication, wait at least 15 minutes before inserting contact lenses, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.


Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment with tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic side effects


Serious side effects are not expected to occur with the use of this medication.


Some burning, stinging, irritation, itching, redness, blurred vision, eyelid itching, eyelid swelling, or sensitivity to light may occur.


This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.


Tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic Dosing Information


Usual Adult Dose for Uveitis:

Ointment: Apply a small amount (0.5 inch ribbon) into the lower conjunctival sac 3 to 4 times daily.

Dexamethasone-tobramycin 0.1%-0.3% ophthalmic suspension: Instill 1 to 2 drops into the lower conjunctival sac every 4 to 6 hours. For severe infections, the frequency may be increased to every 2 hours during the first 24 to 48 hours.

Dexamethasone-tobramycin 0.05%-0.3% ophthalmic suspension: Instill 1 drop into the lower conjunctival sac every 4 to 6 hours. During the initial 24 to 48 hours, dosage may be increased to one drop every 2 hours.

Usual Adult Dose for Bacterial Conjunctivitis:

Ointment: Apply a small amount (0.5 inch ribbon) into the lower conjunctival sac 3 to 4 times daily.

Dexamethasone-tobramycin 0.1%-0.3% ophthalmic suspension: Instill 1 to 2 drops into the lower conjunctival sac every 4 to 6 hours. For severe infections, the frequency may be increased to every 2 hours during the first 24 to 48 hours.

Dexamethasone-tobramycin 0.05%-0.3% ophthalmic suspension: Instill 1 drop into the lower conjunctival sac every 4 to 6 hours. During the initial 24 to 48 hours, dosage may be increased to one drop every 2 hours.

Usual Adult Dose for Keratitis:

Ointment: Apply a small amount (0.5 inch ribbon) into the lower conjunctival sac 3 to 4 times daily.

Dexamethasone-tobramycin 0.1%-0.3% ophthalmic suspension: Instill 1 to 2 drops into the lower conjunctival sac every 4 to 6 hours. For severe infections, the frequency may be increased to every 2 hours during the first 24 to 48 hours.

Dexamethasone-tobramycin 0.05%-0.3% ophthalmic suspension: Instill 1 drop into the lower conjunctival sac every 4 to 6 hours. During the initial 24 to 48 hours, dosage may be increased to one drop every 2 hours.


What other drugs will affect tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic?


Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment with tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking an oral steroid medication such as prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone, others).


Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.



More tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic resources


  • Tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic Dosage
  • Tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic Drug Interactions
  • Tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic Support Group
  • 3 Reviews for Tobramycin and dexamethasone - Add your own review/rating


Compare tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic with other medications


  • Conjunctivitis, Bacterial
  • Keratitis
  • Uveitis


Where can I get more information?


  • Your pharmacist has additional information about tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.



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