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.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
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