Tobramycin is an antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections of the eye.
Use Tobramycin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine is available as an eye drop solution and eye ointment.
To use the eye drop solution, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before using the eye drops.
- Tilt your head slightly backwards. With the index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Look upward and instil the required number of drops inside the lower eyelid.
- Close your eye and do not blink for a few seconds. Using your index finger, gently press the inner corner of your eye by the nose for about 2 minutes. This may help prevent the absorption of Tobramycin into other parts of the body.
- Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a clean tissue.
- Replace and tighten the cap of the bottle.
To use the eye ointment, follow these steps:
- Wash and dry your hands before applying the ointment.
- With your index finger, pull the lower eyelid down the eye to form a pouch.
- Hold the tube with your other hand and place it as near to your eyelid as possible without touching it. Squeeze a thin strip of ointment (about a half-inch ribbon) into the pouch.
- Gently close your eyes and keep them closed for 1-2 minutes.
- Wipe any excess ointment from the eyelids and lashes with a clean tissue. With another clean tissue, wipe the tip of the tube clean.
- Replace and tighten the cap of the tube.
- Wash your hands to remove any medication.
Do not allow the tip of the eye drop bottle or eye ointment tube to touch your eyes, eyelids, or any other surface. Recap the eye drop bottle or eye ointment tube immediately after use. If the eye drops or ointment becomes contaminated, it could cause further infection in your eyes.
If you have been given any other eye drops or medicines to be used together with Tobramycin, wait for at least 5 minutes before using the other medicine. Eye ointments should be used last.
Do not share your eye drops or eye ointment with anyone else.
Some brands of Tobramycin contain benzalkonium chloride as a preservative. This may discolour soft contact lenses and cause eye irritation. If you are wearing contact lenses, you should remove them before instilling the eye drops or applying the eye ointment. Wait for at least 15 minutes before reinserting your lenses.
Use Tobramycin at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Instil or apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.
If you often forget to use your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not use Tobramycin if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or similar antibiotics such as amikacin, neomycin, and streptomycin.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- Parkison's disease (a disorder that affects the movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Tobramycin to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Tobramycin may cause your vision to be temporarily blurred. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: swelling or itching of the eyelids and eye redness or discomfort.
If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor immediately. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Store below 25°C, away from the reach of children.
Protect the eye drop solution from excessive heat.
Throw away any remaining eye drops or eye ointment 4 weeks after opening. Mark the date of opening on the eye drop bottle or ointment tube so that you know when to discard it.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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