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 - INJECTION

(toe-bruh-MY-sin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Nebcin

WARNING: This drug has caused kidney problems, nerve damage or permanent hearing loss, even at usual doses. Hearing loss can occur even after the drug is stopped. If you already have kidney problems or hearing difficulty, tell your doctor. Notify your doctor immediately if any of the following occur: ringing in your ears, hearing loss, unusual change in amount of urine, dizziness, numbness, skin tingling, muscle twitching or seizures. This drug may be stopped if you develop kidney or hearing problems. Your doctor will monitor your progress to minimize the possibility of these effects occurring and may run certain tests (e.g., hearing and/or kidney tests). Do not use this medication with other drugs that can cause nerve, kidney or hearing problems. Other factors that increase the risk of these side effects occurring include advanced age or dehydration (unusual thirst).

Uses

This medication is an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of serious bacterial infections, such as respiratory tract infections, skin infections, urinary tract infections, and infections of the blood, abdomen or bones. This medication must be given by injection since it is poorly absorbed if taken by mouth.

How To Use

This medication may be given intravenously diluted in fluid and given slowly over 20 to 30 minutes into a vein or injected into a large muscle such as a buttock or hip. . Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night as prescribed. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.

Side Effects

This medication may cause nausea, vomiting or weakness as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects continue or become severe, inform your doctor. This medication can cause hearing loss or kidney damage especially if used in high doses or for prolonged periods of time. It is important the proper dose be used. Your doctor will order certain blood and laboratory tests to monitor the effectiveness of this medication. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop: dizziness, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, difficult or painful urination, muscle twitching. The site where the injection is given may be red and irritated for a few days. Notify your doctor if the irritation continues or becomes worse. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, hearing problems, muscle disease (e.g., myasthenia gravis), Parkinson's disease, dizziness, allergies (including allergy to sulfites). Tobramycin is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for details. This medication passes into breast milk. Though there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants (to date) consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medications you may use, especially of: other antibiotics, "water pills" (diuretics), anesthetics (e.g., succinylcholine), live vaccines.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection or give it to someone else. A different medication may be necessary in those cases. Make sure needles, tubing and supplies are stored safely and disposed of properly.

Missed Dose

If you should miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose.

Storage

This medication must be stored properly. Review storage instruction with your doctor or pharmacist. Intravenous bags are to be stored in the refrigerator. Let a refrigerated bag sit at room temperature at least one hour before using. Check expiration date before using. Store vial at room temperature away from sunlight.