This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Tobradex Consumer Information
TOBRADEX
Generic Name: tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic (toe bra MY sin/dex a METH a sone)
Brand Names: Tobradex
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 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 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 eyedrops 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 eyedrops or ointment.
- To apply the eyedrops:
- 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 left 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.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.