Tobramycin; Dexamethasone Eye Ointment

What is this medication?

TOBRAMYCIN; DEXAMETHASONE (toe bra MYE sin; dex a METH a sone) is a steroid and an aminoglycoside antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial eye infections. It will also decrease swelling, redness, and itching.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Tobradex

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• eye disease, vision problems
• glaucoma
• infection
• an unusual or allergic reaction to tobramycin, dexamethasone, corticosteroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is only for use in the eye. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt you head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the tube to your eye, fingertips or other surface. Squeeze the end of the ointment tube to apply a thin layer of the ointment to the inside of your eyelid. Close the eye gently to spread the ointment. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course of medicine prescribed by your doctor or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop using except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other eye products without talking to your health care professional.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You should not wear contact lenses while you have signs and symptoms of an eye infection. If you wear contact lenses, ask your health care professional when you can wear your lenses again.

Tell your health care professional right away if you have any change in your eyesight.

To prevent the spread of infection, do not share eye products, towels, and washcloths with anyone else.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• changes in vision

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• eye irritation, itching

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store between 2 and 25 degrees C (36 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.