Tobrex Eye Drops (Tobramycin 0.3%)

Tobrex Eye Drops general information

What is Tobrex Eye Drops used for?

Tobrex Eye Drops 0.3% are used to treat external bacterial infections of the eye and its adnexa, which are the external parts of the eye, including eyelids, lacrimal apparatus (tear glands and ducts), conjunctiva (the lining of the eyelids and covering of the white part of the eye or sclera); also eyelashes.  Common eye infections include conjunctivitis (or pink eye), which is infection of the conjunctiva; blepharitis, which is inflammation of the eyelid caused by infection; stye, which is infection of an eyelash follicle that leads to blockage of the oil producing glands of the eyelids.  Symptoms of eye infection include, pain, foreign body sensation (a feeling of something in the eye), gritty sensation, redness, discharge from the eye, blurred vision, sensitivity to light.  The most common bacterial species to infect the eye is staphylococcus.  Tobrex Eye Drops prevent spread of infection and help relieve symptoms of infection of the eye.

How does Tobrex Eye Drops work?

Tobrex Eye Drops 0.3% contain tobramycin, an antibiotic belonging to the aminoglycosides group of antibiotics.  Tobramycin in Tobrex Eye Drops is a broad spectrum antibiotic that works by binding to bacterial ribosomes and blocking the translation of RNA into important proteins, which ultimately kills the bacteria.  Tobramycin in Tobrex Eye Drops is effective against Staphylococci aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae, which are the most predominant bacterial species to infect the eye and are normally found around the eye but can cause infection if they penetrate the eye or if the immune system is not effective.  Other susceptible bacteria that can cause eye infection include Haemophilus and Moraxella.   Tobrex Eye Drops are for topical use only and exert their bactericidal effects locally in the eye, with little systemic action. 

What does Tobrex Eye Drops contain?

Tobrex Eye Drops contains the active ingredient tobramycin (3 mg/mL), an aminoglycosides antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections of the eye.  They also contain boric acid, sodium sulfate, sodium chloride, tyloxapol, sodium hydroxide and/or sulfuric acid (to adjust pH) and purified water and the preservative benzalkonium chloride (0.1 mg/mL).

Treating infection of the eye with Tobrex Eye Drops

Tobrex Eye Drops contain the antibiotic tobramycin, that is used to treat external bacterial infections of the eye and its adnexa, which are the external parts of the eye, including eyelids, lacrimal apparatus (tear glands and ducts), conjunctiva (the lining of the eyelids and covering of the white part of the eye or sclera); also eyelashes.  Common eye infections include conjunctivitis or infection of the conjunctiva; blepharitis, infection and inflammation of the eyelid; stye, which is infection of an eyelash follicle that leads to blockage of the oil producing glands of the eyelids.  Tobramycin in Tobrex Eye Drops blocks bacterial protein synthesis, which kills the bacteria and prevents spread of infection.  This helps relieve symptoms of infection of the eye, including pain, foreign body sensation (a feeling of something in the eye), gritty sensation, redness, discharge from the eye, blurred vision, sensitivity to light. 

What are the side effects of Tobrex Eye Drops?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Tobrex Eye Drops include: burning and stinging of the eyes on application of the drops, punctate keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), swelling and itching of the eyelid, ocular hyperaemia (redness of the eye), redness, watery eyes.

When should Tobrex Eye Drops not be used?

You should not use Tobrex Eye Drops if you:

• are allergic to tobramycin or any other aminoglycoside antibiotic or any ingredients in Tobrex Eye Drops
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• have had uncomplicated removal of a corneal foreign body
• are at risk of developing glaucoma (e.g. family history)
• are taking a systemic aminoglycoside antibiotic

How should Tobrex Eye Drops be used?

You should take your Tobrex 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 Tobrex Eye Drops every 4 hours or hourly for severe infections until symptoms improve and then reduce the frequency again.  You should continue to use your Tobrex Eye Drops for 7-10 days until the infection has cleared.  If you wear contact lenses, these should be removed before adding your Tobrex Eye Drops and not returned for at least 15 minutes after application. 

How long should you use Tobrex Eye Drops?

You should continue to use your Tobrex Eye Drops for 7-10 days until the infection has cleared.

Missed dose of Tobrex Eye Drops

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

How should Tobrex Eye Drops be stored?

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