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What is tobramycin-ophthalmic ointment, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Tobramycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that
interferes with bacterial production of proteins, ultimately leading to
bacterial death. Tobramycin, like other aminoglycoside antibiotics, targets
various gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Targeted organisms include
Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococci, Pseudomonas
aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes,
Proteus mirabilis, Morganella morganii, Proteus vulgaris (most strains),
Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus aegyptius, Moraxella lacunata, Acinetobacter
calcoaceticus, and some Neisseria species. The FDA approved tobramycin
ophthalmic solution in December 1980.
What brand names are available for tobramycin-ophthalmic ointment?
Tobrex
Is tobramycin-ophthalmic ointment available as a generic drug?
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
Do I need a prescription for tobramycin-ophthalmic ointment?
Yes
What are the side effects of 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).
What is the dosage for tobramycin-ophthalmic ointment?
The initial dose for adults and children two months old or greater is
1 to 2 drops every 2 to 4 hours in the infected eye. For severe infections, up
to 2 drops every hour may be used until improvement is seen, at which time the
dose should be reduced.
Which drugs or supplements interact with tobramycin-ophthalmic ointment?
There are no known drug interactions with tobramycin
ophthalmic solution.
Is tobramycin-ophthalmic ointment safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
There is no evidence of harm to the fetus in animal studies with
systemic tobramycin use; no direct studies in humans have been conducted. Blood
levels are undetectable after ophthalmic tobramycin use.
Tobramycin ophthalmic solution is not absorbed into the body
at detectable levels, and therefore not expected to be present in the
breast
milk. However, breast feeding is not recommended due to the potential for
adverse effects in the infant.
What else should I know about tobramycin-ophthalmic ointment?
What preparations of tobramycin-ophthalmic ointment are available?
Ophthalmic Solution 0.3%
How should I keep tobramycin-ophthalmic ointment stored?
Tobramycin ophthalmic solution should be stored at room temperature,
between 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F). Some preparations may be refrigerated and
stored between 2 C to 8 C (36 F to 46 F).
