Tobramycin

Dosage Forms Available

• Tobramycin is available as a solution for administering via intravenous or intramuscular routes (injection) and ophthalmically (eye drops and an ointment)

Age and Dose Restrictions

• Tobramycin injections are meant for adults and children of all ages. The ophthalmic solution or ointment is indicated for adults and children above 2 months of age.

Contraindications

• Tobramycin is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to any aminoglycoside antibiotic.

Other Medications to Avoid

• Tobramycin may interact with nephrotoxic or ototoxic medicines (such as vancomycin and cisplatin) and neuromuscular blocking agents (like succinylcholine and tubocurarine).

• Before starting any prescription or over-the-counter medications, it's crucial to consult a doctor

Overdose and Missed Dose

• An overdose of Tobramycin may cause symptoms such as hearing loss, dizziness, numbness, skin tingling, muscle twitching, or seizures. If you observe these symptoms, inform your doctor and follow their advice.

• If you miss a dose of Tobramycin, take it as soon as you remember. But avoid repeating the dose to compensate for the missed one.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of your symptoms, please consult your doctor.

• To manage local irritation due to ophthalmic preparations, rinse your eyes with clean water at room temperature.

• Ensure you are drinking plenty of water to counteract the effects of kidney toxicity.

• Rest and relaxation can help manage the side effects of dizziness or vertigo.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• Tobramycin may affect your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery. Avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel dizzy or have other side effects, such as blurred vision or difficulty focusing.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• Tobramycin should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit outweighs the risk. Tobramycin is excreted in human milk, so caution should be exercised when administering it to nursing mothers.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Patients with renal impairment or neuromuscular disorders such as myasthenia gravis or Parkinson's disease should exercise caution when taking Tobramycin.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Try to avoid close contact with people who have bacterial infections to reduce the risk of transmission.

• Practise good hygiene habits such as regular hand washing and keeping personal items clean to prevent bacterial infections.

• If you are using Tobramycin ophthalmic preparations, avoid using contact lenses unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.