Tobradex

— THERAPEUTIC CATEGORIES —
  • Ocular allergy/inflammation

Tobradex Generic Name & Formulations

General Description

Tobramycin 0.3%, dexamethasone 0.1%; oph. susp; contains benzalkonium chloride.

Pharmacological Class

Aminoglycoside + steroid.

How Supplied

Susp—2.5mL, 5mL, 10mL; Oint—3.5g

How Supplied

Tobradex Suspension: is supplied in 2.5mL, 5mL, and 10mL dispensers.

Storage

Tobradex Suspension: Store at 8°C to 27°C (46°F to 80°F). Store suspension upright and shake well before using. After opening, Tobradex® (tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic suspension) can be used until the expiration date on the bottle. 

Tobradex Indications

Indications

Ocular inflammation associated with infection or risk thereof.

Indications

Ocular inflammation associated with infection or risk thereof.

Active against the following common bacterial eye pathogens:

  • Staphylococci, including S. aureus and S. epidermidis (coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative), including penicillin-resistant strains. 

  • Streptococci, including some of the Group A-beta-hemolytic species, some nonhemolytic species, and some Streptococcus pneumoniae

  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Proteus mirabilis, Morganella morganii, most Proteus vulgaris strains, Haemophilus influenzae and H. aegyptius, Moraxella lacunata, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus and some Neisseria species. 

Tobradex Dosage and Administration

Adults and Children

<2yrs: not established. ≥2yrs: 1–2 drops every 2hrs for 1st 24–48hrs, then every 4–6hrs. Reduce dose as condition improves; max 20mL for initial ℞.

Tobradex Contraindications

Contraindications

Viral, fungal, or mycobacterial infections of the eye.

Contraindications

Epithelial herpes simplex keratitis (dendritic keratitis), vaccinia, varicella, and many other viral diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva. Mycobacterial infection of the eye. Fungal diseases of ocular structures.

Tobradex Boxed Warnings

Not Applicable

Tobradex Warnings/Precautions

Warnings/Precautions

Corneal or scleral thinning. Glaucoma. Monitor for secondary infections, intraocular pressure and cataracts in prolonged use. Monitor blood levels in combined aminoglycoside therapy. Discontinue if hypersensitivity reactions occur. Do not wear contact lenses. Avoid abrupt cessation. Pregnancy. Nursing mothers.

Warnings/Precautions

  • For topical ophthalmic use. Not for injection into the eye.

  • Cross-sensitivity to other aminoglycoside antibiotics may occur. Discontinue use and institute appropriate therapy if hypersensitivity reaction develops.

  • Prolonged use may suppress the host response and increase the risk of secondary ocular infections. Steroids may mask infection or enhance existing infection in acute purulent conditions and parasitic infections of the eye.

  • Prolonged use may result in glaucoma, with damage to the optic nerve, defects in visual acuity and fields of vision, and posterior subcapsular cataract formation. Routinely monitor intraocular pressure (IOP) even though it may be difficult in pediatric patients and uncooperative patients.

  • In those diseases that cause thinning of the cornea or sclera, perforations may occur with the use of steroids.

  • Prolonged use may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi. Initiate appropriate therapy if superinfection occurs. 

  • Do not wear contact lenses during use or if signs/symptoms of bacterial infection are present.

Pregnancy Considerations

  • No adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Increased risk of intra-uterine growth retardation with prolonged or repeated use during pregnancy.

  • Use during pregnancy only if potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

  • Monitor infants born to mothers who received substantial doses of corticosteroids during pregnancy for signs of hypoadrenalism.

Nursing Mother Considerations

  • Use caution when administered to a nursing woman.

  • It is not known whether topical administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in human milk. 

Pediatric Considerations

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 2 years have not been established. 

Geriatric Considerations

No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger patients.

Tobradex Pharmacokinetics

Elimination

Renal.

Tobradex Interactions

Not Applicable

Tobradex Adverse Reactions

Adverse Reactions

Local effects (eg, eye pain, eyelids pruritus, eyelid edema, conjunctival hyperemia or erythema), increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, cataracts, corneal perforations, optic nerve damage, delayed wound healing, secondary infection, blurred vision.

Tobradex Clinical Trials

See Literature

Tobradex Note

Not Applicable

Tobradex Patient Counseling

Patient Counseling

  • Do not touch dropper tip to any surface, as this may contaminate the contents. 

  • Contact lenses should not be worn during the use of this product.