Tobradex is a prescription combination eye drop used to treat bacterial eye infections accompanied by significant inflammation, swelling, or redness. Because it contains a powerful steroid, it must only be used under the direct supervision of an eye care professional.
Active Ingredients
Tobradex combines two active medications to address infections and inflammation simultaneously:
-
Tobramycin (0.3%): An aminoglycoside antibiotic that stops bacterial growth by killing the bacteria causing the infection.
-
Dexamethasone (0.1%): A potent corticosteroid that reduces swelling, pain, irritation, and redness.
Common Uses
Physicians typically prescribe Tobradex for conditions where an infection is present alongside severe inflammation, including:
-
Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye).
-
Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids).
-
Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea).
-
Post-operative care to prevent infection and control inflammation following cataract surgery.
Standard Dosage and Administration
The exact dosage depends on the severity of the condition and must be determined by a doctor. A typical schedule includes:
-
Routine dose: 1 to 2 drops in the affected eye(s) every 4 to 6 hours.
-
Severe cases: Your doctor may increase this to 1 to 2 drops every 2 hours for the first 24 to 48 hours.
-
Crucial Step: You must shake the bottle well before every use to ensure the medication is properly mixed.
Important Safety Guidelines
-
Do not use for viral or fungal infections: Steroid-containing drops can worsen viral conditions (like herpes simplex eye infections) or fungal eye diseases. [1]
-
Monitor Intraocular Pressure (IOP): Using Tobradex for longer than 10 days can increase the pressure inside your eye, potentially leading to glaucoma or nerve damage. Your eye doctor should monitor your eye pressure if prolonged use is required.
-
Contact Lenses: Avoid wearing contact lenses while treating an active eye infection. The preservative in Tobradex (benzalkonium chloride) can also discolor soft lenses. If permitted by your doctor, remove lenses before application and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them.
-
Application Technique: Do not let the dropper tip touch your eye, fingers, or any surface to prevent contamination. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for 1 minute after drop instillation to keep the medication in the eye.
Potential Side Effects
-
Common: Temporary blurred vision, mild stinging, or burning immediately after application.
-
Serious (Rare): Severe allergic reactions, delayed wound healing, or secondary eye infections.
