Tobramycin+dexamethasone
About
Tobramycin+dexamethasone is a combination of antibiotics and corticosteroids used to treat bacterial eye and ear infections. It is used to treat eye infections such as conjunctivitis (infection of the outer white membrane of the eyeball) and corneal ulcers (ulcer that occurs in the transplant membrane of the eye called the cornea). This infection is highly contagious in nature and can pass from one to another. Signs and symptoms include pink/red-toned eyes, gritty feeling in eyes, itchiness in areas of eyes, teary eyes, and thick discharge around eyes.
Tobramycin+dexamethasone contains Tobramycin and Dexamethasone. Tobramycin is an aminoglycoside which inhibits the growth of bacteria by interfering with protein synthesis and leads to cell death. Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid medicine that reduces swelling and redness by preventing infection-fighting white blood cells (WBCs)
Tobramycin+dexamethasone is an external preparation and should be administered as advised by your doctor. Tobramycin+dexamethasone should be taken in the dose and duration your doctor advises. You are advised to take Tobramycin+dexamethasone for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. Tobramycin+dexamethasone can cause some common side effects (when eye drops are used), including redness, itching, swelling, burning sensation, tearing, and temporary blurred vision (with ointment use). Most of these side effects of Tobramycin+dexamethasone do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor. Long-term use of eye drops may cause a fungal eye infection. So, take this medicine for a duration prescribed by your doctor.
Tobramycin+dexamethasone should be avoided if you are allergic to it, other aminoglycoside antibiotics or other ingredients. Inform your doctor if you are on any topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as Tobramycin+dexamethasone combined with topical NSAIDs may cause your eye wound to heal more slowly. Avoid wearing contact lenses during the treatment of ocular infection or inflammation, as it can worsen the condition. Tell your doctor about all your current medications and medical history before using Tobramycin+dexamethasone. Inform your doctor if you have any vision problems after using this medication. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tobramycin+dexamethasone is not recommended for use in children below two years of age.
Uses of Tobramycin+dexamethasone
Medicinal Benefits
Tobramycin+dexamethasone is a combination of two drugs: Tobramycin (antibiotics) and Dexamethasone (corticosteroids). Tobramycin works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Dexamethasone blocks the chemical messenger in the brain responsible for causing inflammation (redness, itching, and swelling). As a result, it lowers inflammation, which could worsen the condition. Tobramycin+dexamethasone is used to prevent and treat inflammation and prevent possible bacterial infection of the eye after cataract surgery in adults and children above two years of age.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Tobramycin+dexamethasone
- Eye redness
- Burning sensation
- Eye pain
- Dry eyes
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Tobramycin+dexamethasone or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Consult your doctor before taking Tobramycin+dexamethasone if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tobramycin+dexamethasone is not recommended for children unless prescribed by a doctor. Let your doctor know if you have had myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness) or Parkinson’s disease, antibiotics like tobramycin may worsen muscle weakness. You are advised to remove soft contact lenses before using Tobramycin+dexamethasone as it contains a preservative that may cause eye irritation and discolouration of soft contact lenses. You can reinsert contact lenses after 15 minutes of using Tobramycin+dexamethasone. Do not use the topical non-steroidal inflammatory drug while using Tobramycin+dexamethasone. Tobramycin+dexamethasone contains dexamethasone; if you use a topical non-steroidal inflammatory drug and dexamethasone together, it may delay the healing of your eye wound. If you have diabetes, please consult your doctor before using Tobramycin+dexamethasone. The risk of intraocular pressure (glaucoma) and cataract formation is increased in diabetic patients. Tobramycin+dexamethasone may cause temporary vision problems (blurred vision), so be cautious while driving and operating machinery.
Drug Interactions
Drug-drug interactions: Tobramycin+dexamethasone may interact with other antibiotics (e.g., vancomycin, gentamicin, kanamycin, streptomycin, cephalothin), pain relievers (e.g., diclofenac, bromfenac) antiviral (e.g., ritonavir, cobicistat, boceprevir, amprenavir, atazanavir), antifungal (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole), antidiabetics (e.g., metformin, canagliflozin, glimepiride, pioglitazone), smallpox vaccine.
Drug-food interactions: No food interactions found.
Drug-disease interactions: Tobramycin+dexamethasone should be used with caution in patients with a corneal transplant, diabetes, myasthenia gravis, and Parkinson's disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThe interaction of Tobramycin+dexamethasone with alcohol is unknown. Consult your doctor for more information.
Pregnancy
cautionIf you are pregnant, inform your doctor before using Tobramycin+dexamethasone. It is given to pregnant women only if the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult your doctor if you are a nursing mother. Your doctor will prescribe Tobramycin+dexamethasone only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
cautionIt is better to avoid driving as Tobramycin+dexamethasone usually causes temporarily blurred vision and affects your driving ability.
Liver
safe if prescribedTobramycin+dexamethasone can be used safely in patients with liver diseases if prescribed by a doctor.
Kidney
safe if prescribedTobramycin+dexamethasone can be used safely in patients with kidney diseases if prescribed by a doctor.
Children
cautionTobramycin+dexamethasone should be used in children when prescribed by a doctor. This medicine is not advised for use in children below two years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Sleep for at least 6-8 hours to rejuvenate your eyes naturally.
- Wash your eyes with clean water at least 2-3 times a day
- Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep.
- Placing cooled tea bags on your eyes while they are closed can be a way to relax and unwind.
Special Advise
- Do not take Tobramycin+dexamethasone on your own, as self-medication may lead to antibiotic resistance in which antibiotics fail to act against specific bacterial infections.
- Use of Tobramycin+dexamethasone for prolonged may result in a new fungal eye infection (secondary infection). Do not use Tobramycin+dexamethasone for longer than prescribed.
- Tobramycin+dexamethasone should not be administered directly into the anterior chamber of the eye.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial eye infection: Bacterial eye infection occurs when harmful bacteria invade any part of the eye, such as the eyeball, conjunctiva, or cornea. The common bacterial eye infections are conjunctivitis, keratitis, etc. Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is the inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva (white part of the eye) and the inner eyelid. It is a highly contagious infection that is spread by eye secretions. Symptoms include redness, itchiness, and discharge or crusting around the eye. Keratitis is the inflammation of the cornea that occurs due to frequent use of contact lenses, injury, diabetes, or surgery.
FAQs
Tobramycin+dexamethasone contains tobramycin and dexamethasone. Tobramycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic. It acts by inhibiting bacteria's growth. It binds to the proteins in the bacteria, disrupting the cell functions and eventually leading to bacterial death. Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that blocks the production of certain chemical messengers (prostaglandins) that make the eye red, swollen, and itchy.
Do not take Tobramycin+dexamethasone on your own, as self-medication may lead to antibiotic resistance in which antibiotics fail to act against specific bacterial infections.
If you have diabetes, Tobramycin+dexamethasone can increase the risk of intraocular pressure (glaucoma) and cataract formation in diabetic patients. However, please consult your doctor before using Tobramycin+dexamethasone.
If you miss a dose of Tobramycin+dexamethasone, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it's almost time for the next dose, do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
It is advised to use Tobramycin+dexamethasone only for the prescribed period as long-term usage of Tobramycin+dexamethasone may cause a new fungal eye infection (secondary infection). Prolonged use of corticosteroids may result in glaucoma, damage to the optic nerve, and defects in visual acuity and fields of vision. Intraocular pressure should be monitored if this product is used for ten days or longer.
