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Tobradex Information

Tobradex (Tobramycin/Dexamethasone) treats bacterial infections or inflammation in the eye. You can get bacterial eye infections due to trauma, eye surgery, wearing contact lenses, or immune deficiencies. The two most common bacterial infections of the eye are conjunctivitis (pink eye) and blepharitis (a chronic inflammation of the eyelids). TobraDex is a combination medication that contains Tobramycin and Dexamethasone. Tobramycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that helps fight the infection, and Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that helps lower eye inflammation.

Tobradex Side Effects

The most common side effects of Tobradex may include eye irritation, eyelid discomfort, and sensitivity to light. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Cloudy vision;
• Delayed wound healing of eye injuries or surgeries;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, breathing difficulties, itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat;
• Signs of increased eye pressure, such as eye pain, headache, blurred vision, nausea

Tobradex Precautions

Do not use Tobradex if you are allergic to Tobramycin, Dexamethasone, or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have a viral or fungal eye infection, think you may be pregnant, plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Tobradex and other medications, such as prednisone and other eye medications. Do not use Tobradex if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant without informing your doctor. It is unknown if this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Discuss the benefits and risks of using this drug in pregnancy with your doctor. Do not use Tobradex while breastfeeding without talking to your doctor. It is unknown if Tobramycin or Dexamethasone passes into breast milk or if it may harm a nursing infant. Do not give this drug to children without talking to your doctor. Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Tobradex comes in the form of eye drops, suspension, and ointment. Use only one form of the medication.

Wash your hands before and after using the eye drops or ointment. To apply the eye drops, shake the drops gently to be sure the medicine is well mixed. Tilt your head slightly and pull down the lower eyelid of the affected eye to create a pouch. Position the dropper above the eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eyes. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye, near your nose, for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct. If you are to use more than one drop in the same eye, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops. Repeat the process in the other eye if you use the drops in both eyes. To apply the ointment, hold the tube in your hand for a few minutes to warm it so it comes out easily. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down gently on your lower eyelid to create a pouch. Apply a thin film of the ointment to your lower eyelid. Close your eye and roll your eyeball around in all directions for 1 to 2 minutes. If you are applying another eye medication, allow at least 10 minutes before applying the other medicines. Do not touch the dropper or tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. Touching the dropper or tube opening can contaminate it and cause an eye infection. Do not use the eye drops or ointment longer than your doctor recommends. Long-term treatment with steroids like Tobradex may cause glaucoma, nerve damage in the eye, or cataract formation. Be careful when driving or operating machinery. Tobradex may blur your vision. If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor if you should wear them during treatment with Tobradex. After applying the medication, wait at least 15 minutes before inserting contact lenses unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Store Tobradex at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Tobradex?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Tobradex.