Tobramycin

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Apr 27, 2023

Warnings

Tobramycin Risks, Warnings, and Complications

Tobramycin can cause or worsen health problems in some people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other treatments for eye infection if you are at increased risk of adverse reactions or complications from tobramycin ophthalmic.

CONTAMINATION: Contamination of the eye dropper or ointment tube can lead to eye infections. Make sure you wash your hands every time before using tobramycin ophthalmic. Don't touch the dropper tip or ointment tube to your eye, hands, or anything else. Replace the cap on the bottle or tube immediately after use.
NEW INFECTIONS: Prolonged use of tobramycin ophthalmic can lead to new bacterial or fungal infections that are resistant to this medication. Don't use tobramycin for longer than prescribed. If you still have symptoms after finishing the medication, tell your doctor. Do not use the medicine for repeated periods unless your doctor tells you to. Call your provider if you notice symptoms of a new infection.
HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS: A small number of people can develop allergic reactions to tobramycin with rash, redness, and itching. Stop using tobramycin and contact your doctor if this happens. Rarely the drug reaction can be serious with anaphylaxis (throat closing). Call 911 or get emergency medical attention if you have a severe allergic reaction. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had an allergic reaction to other aminoglycoside antibiotics, such as gentamicin (Gentak) eye drops, in the past.
CONTACT LENSES: You should not wear contact lenses if you have an infection and are using tobramycin ophthalmic. Throw away your old pair of contact lenses that you were wearing before starting tobramycin as they may be contaminated with bacteria. Do not restart wearing contacts again until your symptoms disappear.

Precautions Before Starting Tobramycin

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to tobramycin, any of the active or inactive ingredients in tobramycin dosage forms, other aminoglycosides, or any other medications. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients.

Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including eye medications, other prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products. This can help avoid possible drug interactions.

Give your doctor a complete medical history. Tobramycin may not be right for people with certain health conditions.

Tell your health care professional if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, plan to get pregnant, or are nursing an infant with breast milk.

Precautions During Use of Tobramycin

Keep all your healthcare appointments during treatment.

Tobramycin ophthalmic can cause temporary blurry vision. Do not rub your eyes if this happens. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing anything that requires clear vision until you can see clearly.

Do not wear contact lenses while using tobramycin ophthalmic.

Tobramycin Drug Interactions

Certain other drugs can affect how tobramycin works. Possible drug interactions with other medicines can increase the risk of severe adverse effects. Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including eye medications, other prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. Also, tell your healthcare professional if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription medications.

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