Indications for antimicrobial therapy
Tobrex is a fast-action antimicrobial agent (antibiotic type) widely used in modern clinical practice. The drug is available as a solution and is intended for external use only (instillation of eyes).
Tobramycin (3 mg/ml) is the water-soluble active ingredient, which was the main substance for the development of the original Tobrex drug. Tobramycin is a broad-spectrum therapeutic agent. It is active against many types of gram-negative and, less commonly, gram-positive pathogens.
These antimicrobial drops are used to treat infections of the surface and other parts of the eye.
Pharmacological effect
Tobrex drops create an effective concentration of the drug immediately at the site of inflammation (on the surface of the eye). After administration, the antibiotic exerts a targeted effect over pathogenic microorganisms – infectious agents.
Tobrex provides a bactericidal effect. It affects the parts of pathogenic cells called ribosomes – which is the most important organelle in bacteria that serves for the biosynthesis of proteins. When pathogenic cells are exposed to the drug action, one of the following takes place:
- Ribosomes begin to produce defective bacterial proteins.
- Protein synthesis is completely inhibited.
Microorganisms exposed to the antibiotic die. Further use of the drops kills bacteria that were not initially exposed to the drug.
Dosage guide
By holding an open bottle above the eye with the medication directed upside down, you get drops (doses) of the same size. There is no need to squeeze the bottle from the sides. To get one drop, just tap or press on the bottom of the bottle.
The dosage regimen for eye drops Tobrex in mild to moderate ophthalmic diseases:
- Recommended dose range: 1-2 drops
- Dosing frequency: every 4 hours
Dosage regimen in severe ophthalmic diseases:
- Optimal single dose: 2 drops
- Dosing frequency: every hour
If there is a need to use different types of ophthalmic products, they should be administered at intervals of at least 5-15 minutes.
The treatment duration depends on the clinical course of the disease. The doctor makes the decision on the duration of therapy based on objective data, including the possible risk of adverse reactions, the severity of clinical symptoms and the effectiveness of the drug.
Take the full course of treatment as prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms alleviate or disappear completely. All microorganisms that cause the infection must die.
Possible adverse effects of Tobrex
This medication has a bactericidal effect, which has been confirmed by a series of clinical trials. Along with their beneficial effects, drops can cause unwanted effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Possible bad response or problems are as follows:
- impaired visual acuity
- feeling that something has got under the eyelid
- increased tearing
- eye irritation
- swelling of the eyelids
- redness of the sclera (white part of the eye)
The unwanted symptoms are very different and range from mild discomfort to severe side effects. Most adverse effects are mild, occur early in treatment, and resolve over time.
Ophthalmic treatment can lead to hypersensitivity reactions in some patients. Do not take Tobrex if you have allergies to:
- any medicine containing Tobramycin.
- any of the inactive ingredients found in Tobrex.
Where signs of severe reactions or hypersensitivity manifest during the use of this medication, treatment should be discontinued. If you notice a rash on your face or any other area of your body, consult with your doctor for further treatment instructions.
Eye instillation technique
To get the best results from the use of your drops, you need to use them correctly. An ophthalmologist or pharmacist can provide advice for a specific case. Read the information leaflet before you begin the treatment course.
In most cases, the correct technique for using the drops is the following:
- Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them with a clean paper towel or towel.
- Warm the bottle with your hands if the solution temperature is too low.
- If you wear contact lenses, remove them from your eyes (it is not recommended to wear contact lenses during bacterial eye infections).
- Unscrew the cap from the bottle.
- Lie down or sit in front of a mirror, or sit comfortably in an armchair (choose whatever position you feel comfortable in).
- If you are standing or sitting, tilt your head back.
- Hold the Tobrex bottle upside down, position it 2-3 cm above the eye, try not to touch the eyelashes, eyelids and eyes.
- Place one or two fingers on your lower eyelid and pull it down.
- Press on the base of the bottle so that the drop enters the eye (closer to the outer corner of the eye).
- Take your hands off your face, close your eyes and wait a few minutes.
- Repeat the process for the other eye if you are advised to use drops for both eyes.
- Close the bottle. Observe storage recommendations.
Tobrex eye drops for babies
Data for the treatment of toddlers under 12 months of age are limited. Tobrex 0.3% eye drops can be used to treat children (1 year old and older) at the same dosage as used in adults.
Young children are often afraid of unfamiliar procedures, so whims and fright are not uncommon during the introduction of drops. To minimize such situations, you should act clearly and quickly, which can be achieved by proper preparation for the treatment procedure.
The effectiveness of therapy and the absence of adverse reactions during treatment with drops largely depend on compliance with a number of additional recommendations for use, namely:
- If you store the medicine in the fridge or in a cool place, warm it in the palms of your hands or place the bottle in warm, clean water before use.
- Children under 6-7 years of age should be laid on a flat, horizontal surface.
- The child should be calm. Avoid introducing the drops if the child resists, tries to break free or cries.
- When you pull down the lower eyelid with your fingers, do not touch the membrane of the eye.
- After introducing Tobrex, hold the eyelid for a few seconds to allow the liquid to spread over the surface of the eye.
- You shouldn’t be overcautious. You might notice that a significant portion of the medication has leaked from the child’s eye. Please note that with the correct introduction technique, the right amount of solution enters the eye, even if some of it has leaked out.
- If the child closed his eyes during the procedure and the solution did not get into the eye at all, you should repeat the procedure.
- Do not let the solution get into the nose.
- Leaked medicine should be wiped away with a cotton pad.
- Hold the baby in a prone position for a few minutes.
- Make sure that the child does not rub his eyes with his hands, especially immediately after drops instillation.
Important information you should know
While using the ophthalmic agent Tobrex, it is better to temporarily stop wearing contact lenses. This is a general recommendation and not a contraindication. Avoid wearing lenses when you have any inflammatory eye diseases.
The solution Tobrex contains substances that are absorbed by soft contact lenses. This can lead to deterioration and discoloration of your contact lenses.
Patients who continue wearing lenses should always remove them before instilling the eyes. After completing the procedure, wait at least 15 minutes before putting on the lenses again.
During the procedure, it is important to observe cleanliness, accuracy and hygiene rules. Contact lenses should not be removed with dirty hands. They should be placed in a sterile box which contains special solution.
Cold ophthalmic products can cause discomfort and irritation of the mucous membranes. To avoid this, warm the bottle between the palms of your hands or place it in warm water.
In no case should you share drops with other people. The risk of contracting an infection is very high.
Driving a car
The effect of this drug on the ability to engage in activities requiring increased attention and response is negligible. However, temporary blurred vision and other visual impairments may occur, just like when you use any other eye drops.
Usually, such impairment occurs immediately after the use of the drops and disappears quickly. The patient should wait until vision becomes clear before driving, using tools, operating machinery or performing any hazardous activities.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Although the effects of Tobrex on the body as a whole are negligible, it should only be used during pregnancy when clearly needed.
Using Tobrex while breastfeeding is not recommended.
The amount of ophthalmic medication that can be absorbed into the bloodstream is negligible. Exposure to infants is not expected, but risks cannot be completely ruled out.
The doctor should decide whether or not to stop breastfeeding with this drug, taking into account the therapeutic benefits of the treatment for the mother and the benefits of breastfeeding for the baby.
Storage
When not using the ophthalmic drops, make sure to keep the bottle tightly closed. It is important to store the drug according to the directions in the instructions for use.
Exposure to sunlight and high temperatures can make the ingredients in the medicine break down. A humid environment can promote the appearance of colonies of microorganisms on the surface of the vial.
Recommended storage temperature is up to 25°C. This medicine can be stored in the fridge. Keep note that the solution should not be frozen.
Tobrex sterile solution should be clear or slightly yellowish in color. If the color of the solution has changed, do not use it.