TobraDex Eye Drops

TobraDex Eye Drops general information

What is TobraDex Eye Drops used for?

TobraDex Eye Drops contain a combination of medications used to treat inflammatory conditions and bacterial infections of the external part of the eye of the eye, such as inflammation of the conjunctiva (conjunctivitis), chronic anterior uveitis and corneal injury from chemical, radiation or thermal burns and penetration of foreign bodies.  TobraDex Eye Drops are use also used to prevent inflammation and infection following cataract surgery.  TobraDex Eye Drops applied to the eye reduce inflammation and swelling (oedema) that is common following any tissue trauma and can be painful.  They also reduce risk of infection in conditions where risk of infection is high.   

How does TobraDex Eye Drops work?

TobraDex Eye Drops contain tobramycin, an antibiotic belonging to the aminoglycosides group of antibiotics, and dexamethasone a synthetic corticosteroid that is similar to but more potent than cortisol, the naturally occurring corticosteroid produced by the adrenal gland.  Dexamethasone in TobraDex Eye Drops works by reducing the vascular (blood vessels) and cellular inflammatory response that triggers inflammation, primarily by blocking the production of inflammatory chemicals, like prostaglandins and leukotrienes from inflammatory cells and preventing the migration of inflammatory cells into inflamed tissues.  This reduces the swelling, redness and pain associated with inflammation.  Tobramycin in TobraDex Eye Drops is a broad spectrum antibiotic that works by binding to bacterial ribosomes and blocking the translation of RNA into important protein, which ultimately kills the bacteria.  TobraDex Eye Drops are for topical use only and exert their anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effects locally in the eye, with little systemic action. 

What does TobraDex Eye Drops contain?

TobraDex Eye Drops contain the active ingredients tobramycin 0.3% (3mg/mL) an antibiotic and dexamethasone 1% (1mg/mL) a synthetic corticosteroid that are used in combination to treat and prevent inflammation and infection of the eye.  They also contain the preservative benzalkonium chloride 0.01%; also disodium edetate, purified water, sodium chloride, sodium sulphate anhydrous, sulphuric acid and / or sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment, tyloxapol.

Treating inflammation and infection of the eye with TobraDex Eye Drops

TobraDex Eye Drops contain the antibiotic tobramycin and the corticosteroid dexamethasone used in combination to treat and prevent inflammation and bacterial infection of the external part of the eye in condition such as inflammation of the conjunctiva (conjunctivitis), chronic anterior uveitis and corneal injury from chemical, radiation or thermal burns and penetration of foreign bodies.  TobraDex Eye Drops are use also used to prevent inflammation and infection, which are common complications following cataract surgery of the eyes.  Inflammation and swelling (oedema) are common following any tissue trauma and can be painful.  TobraDex Eye Drops applied to the eye following eye trauma reduces inflammation.  They also reduce risk of infection in conditions where risk of infection is high.  

Treating inflammation and infection of the eye following cataract surgery with TobraDex Eye Drops

TobraDex Eye Drops contain the antibiotic tobramycin and the corticosteroid dexamethasone used in combination to treat and prevent inflammation and bacterial infection of the external part of the eye following cataract surgery.  A cataract is clouding of the lens of the eye and causes blurred vision and deterioration of vision, which does not improve with glasses.  Cataract formation is a process often associated with aging that can be accelerated by some conditions like hypertension and diabetes and can also be caused by exposure to UV light.  Treatment for cataract is surgical removal of the lens, which is replaced with an artificial lens.  Inflammation and infection are risks associated with cataract surgery.  TobraDex Eye Drops applied to the eye reduce inflammation and swelling (oedema) that can be painful and reduce risk of infection.

What are the side effects of TobraDex Eye Drops?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking TobraDex Eye Drops include: Irritation, pain, itching, redness, watery eyes, discomfort, feeling of something in the eye, blurred vision, dry eye, raised intraocular pressure, delayed healing in the eye.

When should TobraDex Eye Drops not be used?

You should not use TobraDex Eye Drops if you:

• are allergic to tobramycin or dexamethasone or any ingredients in TobraDex Eye Drops
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• have any type of eye infection (bacterial, viral or fungal) or a sticky discharge from the eye
• have had uncomplicated removal of a corneal foreign body
• are at risk of developing glaucoma (e.g. family history)
• have any condition causing thinning of the cornea or sclera of the eye, like rheumatoid arthritis, without discussion with your doctor
• if you are taking a systemic aminoglycoside antibiotic

How should TobraDex Eye Drops be used?

You should use your TobraDex Eye Drops by shaking the bottle well, tilting your head back, pulling the lower eyelid to form a pouch and applying 1-2 drops into this conjunctival sac.  You should apply your TobraDex Eye Drops every 4-6 hours while awake, however, your doctor may increase this to every 2 hours within the first 48 hours.  If you wear contact lenses, these should be removed before adding TobraDex Eye Drops into your eye and although they may cause blurred vision when added, this will clear.  You should continue to take your TobraDex Eye Drops for at least 14 days but for no longer than 24 days and if your symptoms improve reduce the frequency but decrease the dose gradually rather than stopping abruptly. 

How long should you use TobraDex Eye Drops?

You should continue to take your TobraDex Eye Drops for at least 14 days but for no longer than 24 days and decrease the dose gradually rather than stopping abruptly. 

Missed dose of TobraDex Eye Drops

If you miss a dose of TobraDex Eye Drops apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to apply the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not apply a double dose.

How should TobraDex Eye Drops be stored?

You should store your TobraDex Eye Drops below 25°C in a cool dry place.