Tobradex

Tobradex

What is Tobradex?

Dexamethasone is a steroid. Dexamethasone ophthalmic is used to treat swelling associated with bacterial infections of the eye.

Tobradex is used to treat bacterial infections or inflammation of the eyes. It is available as an ointment and liquid suspension.

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

Warnings

Contact your doctor if symptoms begin to worsen or if you do not notice any improvement in the condition after a few days.

Do not touch the pipette or tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The drip or tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it can cause an infection in the eye.

After each drop, apply gentle pressure to the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) to prevent the liquid from draining through your tear duct.

What should I discuss with my doctor before use?

Do not use Tobradex if you have a viral or fungal infection in the eye, such as: E.g. herpes, vaccinia or varicella. It is used exclusively to treat infections caused by bacteria. Do not use Tobradex for mycobacterial infections of the eye.

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to aminoglycoside antibiotics (including gentamicin, streptomycin, tobramycin and others). This can cause an allergic reaction to Tobradex.

It is not known whether Tobradex is harmful to an unborn child. If you are pregnant, do not use Tobradex without consulting your doctor. It is not known whether tobramycin or dexamethasone is excreted in breast milk. If you are breast-feeding a baby, do not take this medicine without consulting your doctor.

How should I use Tobradex?

Use Tobradex eye drops or ointment exactly as your doctor tells you. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse or doctor to explain them to you.

Do not use the eye drops or ointments for longer than recommended by your doctor. Long-term treatment with steroids (such as Tobradex) can lead to glaucoma, nerve damage in the eye, or cataract formation.

Wash your hands before and after using the eye drops or ointment.

How to use the eye drops:

• Shake the drops gently to make sure the medicine is well mixed. Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down. Position the eyedropper over your eye. Look up and away from the pipette. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) for about a minute to prevent fluid from draining through your tear duct. If you use more than one drop in the same eye, repeat the process, leaving about 5 minutes between drops. If you use drops in both eyes, repeat the process in the other eye.

How to use the ointment:

• Hold the tube in your hand for a few minutes to warm it up so the ointment comes out easily. Tilt your head back slightly and gently pull your lower eyelid down. Apply a thin film of the ointment to your lower eyelid. Close your eye and roll your eyeball in all directions for one to two minutes. If you are using another eye medication, wait at least 10 minutes before using the other medication.

Do not touch the pipette or tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The drip or tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it can cause an infection in the eye. Do not use eye drops that are discolored or contain particles. Store Tobradex at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle or tube properly closed.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regular dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of Tobradex is unlikely. If you suspect an overdose or the medication has been ingested, contact an emergency room or poison control center.

What should I avoid?

Do not touch the pipette or tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The drip or tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it can cause an infection in the eye. Be careful when driving, operating machinery or performing other dangerous activities. Tobradex can cause blurred vision. If your vision is blurred, avoid these activities.

If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor if you should wear them during treatment with Tobradex. Wait at least 15 minutes after using the medication before inserting contact lenses unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment with Tobradex unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Tobradex side effects

Serious side effects are not expected when using Tobradex.

You may experience burning, stinging, irritation, itching, redness, blurred vision, itching of the eyelids, swelling of the eyelids, or sensitivity to light.

Long-term use of Tobradex could lead to glaucoma, nerve damage in the eye, or cataract formation.

This is not a complete list of Tobradex side effects; others may also occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs affect Tobradex?

Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment with Tobradex unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Before using Tobradex, tell your doctor if you are taking an oral steroid medication such as prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone, and others).

Medicines other than those listed here may also interact with Tobradex. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

References

1. Tobradex-Produktetikett

More information

• Ihr Apotheker hält zusätzliche Informationen zu Tobradex für medizinisches Fachpersonal bereit, die Sie möglicherweise lesen können.

Remember to keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medicine only for the prescribed indication.