Tobramycin Ophthalmic Ointment

Side effects are rare. Less than 1% report sensitivity reactions including swelling and itching of the eyelid, and reddening of the eye (conjunctiva).

• How's Your Eye Health?
• Diabetes and Your Eyes
• Eye Care for Diabetes

• 13 Best Quit-Smoking Tips Ever
• What Stress Does to Your Mouth
• Healthy Home: To Buy or Not to Buy Organic?

• Frequent Constipation?
• Greater Food Accessibility

Tobramycin ophthalmic is an antibiotic.

Tobramycin ophthalmic is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.

Tobramycin ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

The most frequent adverse reactions to TOBREX (tobramycin ophthalmic ointment) 0.3% are hypersensitivity and localized ocular toxicity, including lid itching and swelling, and conjunctival erythema. These reactions occur in less than three of 100 patients treated with TOBREX (tobramycin ophthalmic ointment) 0.3%. Similar reactions may occur with the topical use of other aminoglycoside antibiotics. Other adverse reactions have not been reported from TOBREX (tobramycin ophthalmic ointment) 0.3% therapy; however, if topical ocular tobramycin is administered concomitantly with systemic aminoglycoside antibiotics, care should be taken to monitor the total serum concentration. In clinical trials, TOBREX (tobramycin ophthalmic ointment) 0.3% produced significantly fewer adverse reactions (3.7%) than did GARAMYCIN® Ophthalmic Ointment (10.6%).

Read the entire FDA prescribing information for Tobrex (Tobramycin Ophthalmic Ointment)

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• burning, stinging or swelling of the eyelids
• increased flow of tears

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• blurred vision
• eye irritation, itching

This medicine is only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the tube, to your eye, fingertips, or other surface. Squeeze the end of the tube to apply a thin layer of the ointment to the inside of the lower eyelid. Close the eye gently to spread the ointment. Your vision may blur for a few minutes. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course of medicine prescribed by your doctor or health care professional even if you think your condition is better.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• wear contact lenses
• an unusual or allergic reaction to tobramycin or other antibiotics, sulfites, foods, dyes or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better within a few days.

A burning or stinging reaction that does not go away may mean you are allergic to this product. Stop using and call your doctor or health care professional.

This medicine can make certain eye conditions worse. Only use it for conditions for which your doctor or health care professional has prescribed.

To prevent the spread of infection, do not share eye products, towels and washcloths with anyone else.

You should not wear contact lenses while you have signs and symptoms of an eye infection. Ask your doctor or health care professional when you can wear your contact lenses again.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store between 8 and 27 degrees C (46 and 80 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.