Tobramycin for topical application is used to treat eye infections. Tobramycin belongs to the category of drugs known as antibiotics. It functions by eradicating the infection-causing germs.

Both an eye ointment and a solution (liquid) for instilling into the eyes are available as forms of ophthalmic tobramycin. The ointment is often applied two to four times per day, while the eye drops are typically applied every 4 to 8 hours. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. Follow the directions on the tobramycin eye drops or ointment exactly. Use it only as directed by your doctor, neither more nor less often.

Follow these steps to administer the eye drops:

• Use soap and water to thoroughly wash your hands.
• Make sure the dropper tip is not broken or chipped by inspecting it.
• Eye drops and droppers must be kept clean; avoid contacting the dropper tip to your eye or anything else.
• Pull your lower eyelid down to create a pocket with your index finger while cocking your head back.
• With your other hand, place the dropper as near to your eye as you can without touching it, tip down.
• Place the hand’s remaining fingers to your face.
• Squeeze the dropper gently while looking up so that a single drop falls into the lower eyelid’s pocket. Your index finger should be taken off the lower eyelid.
• Tip your head down so that you are looking at the floor while closing your eyes for two to three minutes. Avoid blinking or squeezing your eyelids.
• Give the tear duct a slight squeeze with your finger.
• Use a tissue to remove any extra liquid from your face.
• Wait at least 5 minutes before administering the subsequent drop if you need to use more than one in the same eye.
• Replace and secure the dropper bottle’s cap. Never rinse or clean the dropper tip.
• To get rid of any medication, wash your hands.

Follow these directions to apply the eye ointment:

• Use soap and water to thoroughly wash your hands.
• Apply the cream yourself or have someone else do it.
• Do not touch the tube’s tip to your eye or to anything else. Keep the ointment tidy at all times.
• Lean your head slightly forward.
• Place the tube as close to your eyelid as you can without touching it while holding it between your thumb and index finger.
• Put the hand’s remaining fingers against your cheek or nose.
• Pull your lower eyelid down to create a pocket with the index finger of your other hand.
• In the space created by the lower lid and the eye, dab some ointment. In most cases, a 1/2-inch (1.25-centimeter) strip of ointment is sufficient unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.
• To allow the medication to be absorbed, look down, then softly close your eyes and hold them closed for a minute or two.
• Immediately replace and tighten the cap.
• With a fresh tissue, remove any extra ointment from your eyes and lashes. Rewash your hands.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before using tobramycin eye drops or eye ointment,

• If you have any medicine or antibiotic allergies, let your doctor and pharmacist know right away.
• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking, including any vitamins or other eye medications.
• Inform your doctor if you are expecting, intend to get pregnant, or are nursing a baby. Call your doctor right away if you become pregnant while using tobramycin eye drops or eye ointment.
• You should be aware that while using tobramycin eye ointment, your eyesight can become foggy. Even if your eyesight is blurry, refrain from rubbing your eyes. If you are unable to see well, avoid using machinery or a car.
• If you wear soft contact lenses, let your doctor know. If you have an eye infection, you should not wear contact lenses.

Keep eating normally unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

If you miss a dosage, administer it as soon as you remember. If the next dose is soon due, skip the missed one and carry on with your regular dosing plan. Never administer or apply a second dose to make up for one that was missed.

Side effects from tobramycin eye drops or ointment are possible. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Teary eyes
• Eye stinging, burning, or itching
• Inflammation of the eye
• Temporary vision haze (from the ointment)

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Store it away from excessive heat and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom).

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

As many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Keep all of your doctor’s appointments.

Do not share your medication with anybody else. Any queries you may have regarding medication refills should be directed to your pharmacist.

Call your doctor if you continue to experience infection symptoms after using the tobramycin eye drops or ointment has finished.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.