Answer
Mar 31, 2025 - 10:26 AM
TobraDex (tobramycin/dexamethasone) is an antibiotic-and-corticosteroid eye medication. Because it contains a steroid, several precautions are important.
- Use it only as prescribed. Prolonged corticosteroid use can increase eye pressure and may lead to glaucoma or optic nerve damage. If treatment lasts 10 days or longer, intraocular pressure should be monitored.
- Do not use it for certain viral, fungal, or mycobacterial eye infections, including epithelial herpes simplex keratitis, unless specifically directed by an eye-care professional. Steroids can worsen or mask some infections.
- Watch for allergic reactions.Tobramycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic, and sensitivity reactions can occur. Stop the medication and seek medical advice if significant swelling, rash, itching, or other signs of an allergic reaction develop.
- Long-term steroid use may contribute to cataracts and can delay healing, particularly after eye surgery. Extra caution is also needed if the cornea or sclera is already thin because corticosteroids can increase the risk of perforation.
- Contact your prescriber if symptoms are not improving within about 2 days or if they become worse, since an infection may need to be reassessed.
- Avoid contaminating the bottle. Do not allow the dropper tip to touch your eye, eyelid, fingers, or another surface.
- Do not wear contact lenses while using TobraDex ST. Its benzalkonium chloride preservative can be absorbed by soft lenses.
- Temporary blurred vision can occur after a dose. Do not drive or operate machinery until your vision is clear.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of glaucoma, cataracts, herpes infection of the eye, recent eye surgery, or corneal problems, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, before using TobraDex.
