$Unique_ID{BRK03354}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{tobramycin (ophthalmic)}
$Subject{ophthalmic Tobrex Alcon antibiotic tobramycin bacterial infections
eyes aminoglycoside bacteria}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


tobramycin (ophthalmic)
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Tobrex (Alcon)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Ophthalmic antibiotic

INGREDIENT

     tobramycin

DOSAGE FORMS

     Ophthalmic drops (0.3% tobramycin)
     Ophthalmic ointment (0.3% tobramycin)

STORAGE

     The ophthalmic solution and ointment should be stored at room temperature
in tightly closed containers.  Discard any medication that is outdated or no
longer needed.

USES

     Tobramycin ophthalmic is used for the short-term treatment of bacterial
infections of the eyes.  Tobramycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic, which
acts to prevent the growth and multiplication of infecting bacteria.

TREATMENT

     Wash your hands with soap and water before using this medication.  In
order to prevent contamination of the medicine, be careful not to touch the
tube portion of the dropper and do not let it touch the eye.
     Note that the bottle of the eye drops is not completely full--this is to
allow control of the number of drops used.
     To apply the drops, tilt your head back and pull down the lower eyelid
with one hand to make a pouch below the eye.  Drop the prescribed amount of
medicine into the pouch and slowly close your eyes.  Try not to blink.  Keep
your eyes closed, and place one finger at the corner of the eye next to your
nose for a minute or two, applying a slight pressure (this is done to prevent
loss of medication through the duct that drains fluid from the surface of the
eye into the nose and throat).  Then wipe away any excess with a clean tissue.
If you think that the medicine did not get into your eye, repeat the process
once.  If you are using more than one type of eye drop, wait at least five
minutes between doses of the two types of medication.
     Follow the same general procedure for applying the ointment.  Tilt your
head back, pull down the lower eyelid, and squeeze the prescribed amount of
ointment in a line along the pouch below the eye.  Close your eyes, and place
your finger at the corner of the eye, near the nose, for a minute or two.  Do
not rub your eyes.  Wipe off excess ointment and the tip of the tube with
clean tissues.
     Since applying the medication is somewhat difficult to do, you may want
someone else to administer the drops or ointment for you.
     If you miss a dose of this drug, insert the drops or apply the ointment
as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the next application.  In
that case, do not use the missed dose at all; just return to your regular
dosing schedule.
     It is important to continue to take this medication for the entire time
prescribed by your doctor, even if the symptoms of infection disappear before
the end of that period.  If you stop applying the medication too soon,
resistant bacteria are given a chance to continue growing, and the infection
could recur.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Blurred vision, burning, or stinging.  These side effects should
disappear as your body adjusts to the drug.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
disturbed or reduced vision; eye pain, itching, or swelling; severe
irritation; or rash.

INTERACTIONS

     This medication should not interact with other medication as long as it
is used according to directions.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about any reactions you have had to drugs, especially
to tobramycin or to any other aminoglycoside antibiotic (amikacin, gentamicin,
kanamycin, neomycin, netilmicin, paromomycin, streptomycin, or viomycin).
     * Before starting tobramycin (ophthalmic), tell your doctor if you now
have or if you have ever had fungal or viral infections of the eye, kidney
disease, or myasthenia gravis.
     * If there is no change in your condition two or three days after
starting to take this drug, contact your doctor.  The drug may not be
effective for your infection.
     * This medication has been prescribed for your current infection only.  A
subsequent infection, or one that someone else has, may require a different
medicine.  You should not give your medicine to other people or use it to
treat other infections, unless your doctor specifically directs you to do so.
     * In order to allow your eye infection to clear, do not apply makeup to
the affected eye.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Extensive studies in
pregnant women have not been conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you are
breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of tobramycin may pass into the
breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.