Tobramycin, Ophthalmic

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antibiotic

Generic and brand names: tobramycin, ophthalmic; AKTob; Tobrex

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine, in the form of eyedrops or ointment, is used to treat eye infections.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to tobramycin or other aminoglycoside antibiotics such as gentamicin (Garamycin) or neomycin (Myciguent, Neosporin)
• herpes or other virus infections of the eye

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

Wash your hands thoroughly before applying medicine to your eyes.

If you have the eyedrops, shake the bottle before you use the drops. Gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a pouch. Look up and squeeze a drop of the medicine into the pouch. Close your eyes for a minute or two and with a fingertip press gently on the inside corner of your eye to keep the medicine from draining out. Do not rub your eyes.

If you have the ointment, hold the tube in your hand for a minute or two to warm the medicine so it will flow easily from the tube. When you open the tube for the first time, squeeze out a little of the medicine and throw it away because it may be dry. Pull your lower eyelid down to form a pouch. Look up, and squeeze a 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch ribbon into the pouch. Close your eyes and roll them in all directions to spread the ointment around. Do not rub your eyes.

To keep from contaminating the medicine, do not let the tip of the container touch your eye or any other surface. After use, put the cap on tightly. Do not use eye medicine that has become discolored.

Your vision will be blurred for a little while after you use the ointment. Avoid driving and activities that require good vision until you can see clearly.

Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use this medicine exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not use it more often or longer than directed. Using too much can lead to other infections caused by bacteria that are resistant to this medicine.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I watch out for?

Do not use this medicine for other eye infections unless your healthcare provider approves.

Do not use other medicines in your eyes unless they are approved by the healthcare provider who prescribed this one.

If you wear contact lenses, ask your healthcare provider if you can continue to wear them while you are using this medicine. If you are able to wear contact lenses, wait at least 15 minutes after putting the medicine in your eyes before putting in your lenses.

If your condition does not improve within a few days or if it gets worse, contact your healthcare provider right away.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Continued or worsening irritation or swelling around your eye.

Other: Eyelid itching, stinging or redness in the eye, temporary blurred vision.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, while you are using this medicine, do not use any other eye medicines unless your healthcare provider approves.

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.