Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: tobramycin and dexamethasone
BRAND NAME: Tobradex
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Tobradex is a combination of
the
antibiotic, tobramycin, plus the anti- inflammatory
corticosteroid,
dexamethasone. The combination is used to treat conjunctivitis
(inflammation of the inner side of the eyelids) when bacterial
infection
is thought to be the cause of the inflammation. Tobradex was
approved by
the FDA in 1988.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: no
PREPARATIONS: Ophthalmic solution or ointment
containing 0.3%
tobramycin and 0.1% dexamethasone.
STORAGE: Tobradex should be kept at room temperature,
15-30°C
(59-86°F) and protected for direct light.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Tobradex is used for the treatment of
conjunctivitis believed to be due to bacterial infection.
DOSING: The hands should be washed before each use of
Tobradex
or any eye medication. The head is tilted back, and the lower
eye lid is
pulled down with the index finger to form a pouch. The tip of
the dropper
should not touch the eye or eyelid. The bottle of Tobradex
should be
squeezed slightly to allow the prescribed number of drops
(generally 1 or
2 drops) into the pouch. If the ointment is being used, a small
strip
(about 1cm or 1/2 inch) of ointment should be squeezed into the
pouch. The
eye should then be closed gently for 1 to 2 minutes without
blinking.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: No drug interactions have been
described
with Tobradex eye drops or ointment.
PREGNANCY: Although no human studies have assessed the
effects
of Tobradex on the fetus, animal studies have shown adverse
fetal effects.
Physicians should use it only if its benefits are deemed to
outweigh the
potential risks.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not
known if Tobradex is excreted into breast milk.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most frequently reported side
effects noted
with Tobradex are itching and swelling of the eye lids and
redness of the
conjunctivae. These effects occur in fewer than 1 of every 25
persons who
uses Tobradex.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 7/23/1998
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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