Tobramycin - ophthalmic

Tobramycin is an antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections of the eye.

Instill Tobramycin in the affected eye(s) exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.

This medicine is available as an eye drop solution or eye ointment.

To use the eye drop solution:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before using the eye drops.
2. Tilt your head slightly backwards. With the index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Look upward and instill the required number of drops inside the lower eyelid.
3. Close your eyes and do not blink or rub your eyes. Using your index finger, apply gentle pressure against the corner of your eye (by the nose) for at least 1 minute. This will help keep the medicine in your eye.
4. Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a clean tissue.
5. Replace and tighten the cap of the bottle.

To use the eye ointment:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before applying the eye ointment.
2. With your index finger, pull the lower eyelid down the eye to form a pouch.
3. Hold the tube with your other hand and place it as near to your eyelid as possible without touching it. Squeeze a thin strip of ointment (about 1.5cm) into the pouch.
4. Gently close your eyes and do not blink. This will help keep the ointment in your eye.
5. Wipe any excess ointment from the eyelids and lashes with a clean tissue. With another clean tissue, wipe the tip of the tube clean.
6. Replace and tighten the cap of the tube.
7. Wash your hands to remove any medication.

Do not allow the tip of the dropper of this medicine to touch your eyes, eyelids or any other surface. Recap the eye drop immediately after use. If the eye drop becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eyes.

Do not share your eye drop or eye ointment with anyone else.

If you have been given any other eye drops or ointment to be used together with Tobramycin, wait for at least 5 minutes before applying the other medicine.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your infection.

You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.

Instill the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.

If you often forget to use your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Do not use Tobramycin if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine, or any similar antibiotics such as gentamicin.

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Some brands of Tobramycin contain benzalkonium chloride as a preservative. This may discolour soft contact lenses and cause eye irritation. Wearing contact lenses is not recommended during treatment of an eye infection.

Prolonged use of this medicine is not advisable and may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi. Use only as instructed by your doctor.

Tobramycin eye drops or eye ointment may cause your vision to be temporarily blurred. If affected, do not drive or operate machinery.

Other side effects include any of the following: eye discomfort, itching, or redness.

If you develop severe eye pain, irritation or swelling, stop using Tobramycin and inform your doctor quickly.

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking/using any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Store below 25°C, away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

Throw away any remaining eye drops or eye ointment 4 weeks after opening. Mark the date of opening on the eye drop or eye ointment so that you know when to discard it.