Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

TOBRAMYCIN WITH DEXAMETHASONE SUSPENSION - OPHTHALMIC DROPS

(toe-bruh-MY-sin/dex-uh-METH-uh-sown)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Tobradex

Uses

This medication is used to treat or prevent eye infections.

How To Use

For best results, this medication must be used routinely as directed. Continue using it for the full time prescribed. Stopping this medication too soon may not clear the infection and could possibly result in a reinfection. To apply eye drops, wash hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface. Shake the eye drops well before using. Tilt your head back, gaze upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place dropper directly over eye and administer the prescribed number of drops. Look downward and gently close your eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of the eye near the nose and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining away from the eye. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace cap after usage. If you are using another kind of eye drop, wait at least five minutes before applying other medications.

Side Effects

This medication may temporarily sting your eyes for a minute or two when you first use it. If stinging persists or becomes bothersome, inform your doctor. Vision may be temporarily blurred or unstable after applying eye drops. Use caution if driving or performing duties requiring clear vision. Notify your doctor if you develop: a skin rash, itching, tears, redness/swelling in or around the eyes, vision problems, eye pain. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before using this drug tell your doctor: illnesses, (especially any involving the eyes), wear contact lenses, eye surgery, infections, any drug allergies. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist of all other drugs you use (prescription and nonprescription) especially any other eye medications you may use. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.

Notes

Your doctor may require you to take an eye exam to track your progress or detect any adverse effects of your treatment, especially if you are using this for more than 10 days. Do not share this medication with others.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store upright between 46 to 80 degrees F (8 to 27 degrees C) away from sunlight. Avoid freezing.