About Tobradex Eye Drops
Tobradex Eye Drops contains Tobramycin 0.3% + Dexamethasone 0.1%. These eye drops combine an antibiotic (tobramycin) with a corticosteroid (dexamethasone). They treat eye inflammation where there is a bacterial infection or a risk of one, such as after eye surgery. They should be used only for the time your doctor advises.
Uses of Tobradex Eye Drops
- Eye inflammation with a bacterial infection or risk of infection
- Inflammation and infection prevention after eye surgery
- Inflamed eyelids or the front of the eye with bacterial infection, as advised by your doctor
Benefits
In eye inflammation with infection
The antibiotic kills bacteria while the steroid reduces redness, swelling and discomfort. Use them for the full time your doctor advises.
Side effects
Long use of steroid eye drops can raise eye pressure. Your doctor may check your eye pressure if you use them for more than about 10 days.
Common
- Brief stinging or burning
- Blurred vision just after use
- Itching
- Eye discomfort or redness
Get medical help if you notice
- Eye pain, worsening vision, halos around lights or a severe headache (possible raised eye pressure) — contact your eye doctor straight away
- Eye getting more red, painful or producing pus — see your doctor
- Gradual clouding of vision with long use — see your doctor
- Allergic reaction: swelling of the eyelids or face, rash or difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
How to use
Wash your hands and shake the bottle well. Tilt your head back, gently pull down the lower eyelid and put one drop into the pocket, as often as your doctor advises. Close your eye and press gently on the inner corner for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not let the dropper tip touch your eye or anything else. If you use other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between them. Throw the bottle away after the time stated on the pack once opened.
How it works
Tobramycin stops bacteria from making proteins they need to live. Dexamethasone is a steroid that reduces inflammation, swelling and redness.
Safety advice
Alcohol Safe
No interaction with alcohol is known.
Pregnancy Consult your doctor
Use only if your doctor advises it.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
Ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
Driving Caution
Vision may be blurred for a short time after use. Wait until your vision is clear before driving.
Kidney Consult your doctor
Very little reaches the bloodstream, but tell your doctor about any medical conditions.
Liver Consult your doctor
Very little reaches the bloodstream, but tell your doctor about any medical conditions.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not use extra drops.
Quick tips
- Do not wear contact lenses while your eye is infected or during treatment unless your doctor says so.
- Do not use it for viral or fungal eye infections, such as a cold sore in the eye — it can make them worse.
- Do not touch the dropper tip to your eye.
- Do not stop suddenly after long use; ask your doctor.
- Use one bottle per person.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Aminoglycoside (tobramycin) + corticosteroid (dexamethasone)
- Therapeutic class
- Ophthalmic
- Action class
- Antibiotic + corticosteroid eye drop
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Other eye drops or ointments | Can wash each other out; leave at least 5 minutes between drops |
| NSAID eye drops | May slow healing of the eye surface |
| Ritonavir and similar medicines | May increase the amount of steroid in the body |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Tobramycin and dexamethasone eye drops prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); US FDA tobramycin/dexamethasone ophthalmic suspension labelling). Pharmacist review pending.