Tobrex (Tobramycin 0.3%) Eye Ointment

Tobrex Eye Ointment general information

What is Tobrex Eye Ointment used for?

Tobrex Eye Ointment 0.3% 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 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 Ointment prevents spread of infection and help relieve symptoms of eye infection.

How does Tobrex Eye Ointment work?

Tobrex Eye Ointment 0.3% contain tobramycin, an antibiotic belonging to the aminoglycosides group of antibiotics.  Tobramycin in Tobrex Eye Ointment 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 Ointment 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 Ointment are for topical use only and exert their bactericidal effects locally in the eye, with little systemic action. 

What does Tobrex Eye Ointment contain?

Tobrex Eye Ointment contains the active ingredient tobramycin (3 mg/mL), an aminoglycosides antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections of the eye.  It also contains chlorobutanol 0.5% (5 mg) as a preservative liquid paraffin, white soft paraffin.

Treating infection of the eye with Tobrex Eye Ointment

Tobrex Eye Ointment contains 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 Ointment 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 Ointment?

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

When should Tobrex Eye Ointment not be used?

You should not use Tobrex Eye Ointment if you:

• are allergic to tobramycin or any other aminoglycoside antibiotic or any ingredients in Tobrex Eye Ointment
• 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 Ointment be used?

You should apply your Tobrex Eye Ointment by tilting your head back, pulling the lower eyelid to form a pouch and applying a fine ribbon of Tobrex Eye Ointment 1 to 1½ cm long into the conjunctival sac.  You should apply your Tobrex Eye Ointment 2-3 times per day for mild infections.  This can be increased to every 3-4 hours for severe infections until symptoms improve and then reduce the frequency again.  You should continue to use your Tobrex Eye Ointment for 7-10 days until the infection has cleared.  If you wear contact lenses, these should be removed before adding your Tobrex Eye Ointment and not returned for at least 15 minutes after application. 

How long should you take Tobrex Eye Ointment?

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

Missed dose of Tobrex Eye Ointment

If you miss a dose of Tobrex Eye Ointment take 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 Ointment be stored?

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