Tobramycin 0.3% w/v

Category- Allopathy

Medicine Highlights

Tobramycin Uses

Tobramycin injection (0.3% w/v) is an antibiotic medicine used to treat serious bacterial infections in the eye such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) and other minor infections in the eye 

Directions for use 

1. Take Tobramycin exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day. 
2. Do not stop taking Tobramycin without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better. 
3. If you forget to take Tobramycin, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. 

Tobramycin side effects 

More Common  

1. Mild burning or stinging in the eyes 
2. Itching of the eyes 
3. Temporary blurred vision 

Less Common 

1. Severe eye irritation or pain 
2. Swelling of the eyes or eyelids 
3. Allergic reactions (redness, rash, or swelling around eyes) 

How Tobramycin works 

Tobramycin works by preventing the bacteria from growing and multiplying, which allows the body to clear the infection naturally and the eyes to recover.  

Safety Measures and Warning 

Allergy/Hypersensitivity

People who are allergic to tobramycin or similar antibiotics should inform your doctor, as it can cause serious allergic reactions like rashes, swelling, or breathing difficulty. 

Severe eye problems

 People with serious or unusual eye conditions should consult a doctor before using the drops as some eye conditions may not be suitable for Tobramycin drops.  

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, inform your doctor as tobramycin should be used only if clearly needed; safety for the baby is not fully established. 

Breastfeeding

 If you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor, since tobramycin can pass into breast milk and affect the baby. 

Tobramycin Interaction with Food Product 

Tobramycin injection does not have any known food interactions. Food does not affect how this medicine works because it is given as eye drops. 

Tobramycin Interaction with Other Medicines  

Avoid taking Tobramycin with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:

Tobramycin Chemical Structure

IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name

IUPAC Name: (2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-4-amino-2-[(1S,2S,3R,4S,6R)-4,6-diamino-3-[(2R,3R,5S,6R)-3-amino-6-(aminomethyl)-5-hydroxyoxan-2-yl]oxy-2-hydroxycyclohexyl]oxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxane-3,5-diol 

Intake routine/cycle

Daily dose

Take Tobramycin exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.

Overdose

It is not recommended to take more than 3 drops of tobramycin in the affected eye. Overdosing may cause kidney problems, hearing loss, or dizziness. Contact a doctor immediately if any unusual symptoms or reactions are noticed during treatment.  

Storage

1. Store the medicine at room temperature 
2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture 
3. Keep out of reach of children 

Tobramycin Summary 

Tobramycin eye drop is an antibiotic medicine used to treat bacterial eye infections, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) or other infections causing redness, swelling, or discharge. They work by killing bacteria in the eyes, helping the infection heal. The drops should be used exactly as prescribed by a doctor, usually for several days, and should not be shared.  

Common side effects include mild stinging, itching, or temporary blurred vision, while serious reactions are rare. People who are allergic to this medicine, severe eye problems, pregnant or breastfeeding should use the drops only after consulting a doctor. Proper hygiene, correct dosing, and medical supervision are important for safe and effective use. 

FAQ’s

What are the uses of Tobramycin? 

Tobramycin is used to treat serious bacterial infections such as conjunctivitis, lung infections, blood infections, urinary tract infections, skin and wound infections, and bone or joint infections, especially when caused by harmful bacteria. 

What are the side effects of Tobramycin injection? 

Common side effects include pain at the injection site, nausea, vomiting, headache, and fever. Serious side effects may include hearing problems, dizziness, balance issues, kidney damage, and allergic reactions, and a doctor should be informed immediately if these occur. 

What is the mode of action of Tobramycin? 

Tobramycin works by blocking protein production in bacteria, which prevents them from growing and causes them to die, helping clear the infection.  

What class of drug is Tobramycin? 

Tobramycin belongs to the aminoglycoside antibiotics class, which are used to treat serious bacterial infections. 

Who should not take Tobramycin? 

Tobramycin should be avoided in people who are allergic to it, severe eye problems, severe kidney problems, hearing or balance issues, muscle-weakness disorders (like myasthenia gravis), or are pregnant unless clearly advised by a doctor. 

Reference 

1. PubChem. Tobramycin [Internet]. Nih.gov. PubChem; 2025. Available from 
2. Reyhanoglu G, Reddivari AKR. Tobramycin [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020. Available from 
3. Tobramycin Dosage Guide + Max Dose, Adjustments [Internet]. Drugs.com. Available from 
4. Tobramycin (Ophthalmic Route) Description and Brand Names – Mayo Clinic [Internet]. www.mayoclinic.org. Available from  

Pranathi Chintaluri

Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.