Dexamethasone and tobramycin (ophthalmic)

Dexamethasone and tobramycin ophthalmic (for the eyes) is a combination of an antibiotic and a steroid. It is used to treat eye inflammation caused by uveitis, eye injuries, radiation, chemical burns, or some other conditions.

Dexamethasone and tobramycin is used when there is a risk of a bacterial infection in or around the eye.

Dexamethasone and tobramycin ophthalmic may also be used for reasons not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use dexamethasone and tobramycin if you have a fungal or viral infection in your eyes (including herpes simplex).

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to dexamethasone or tobramycin, or if you have a fungal or viral infection in your eyes (including herpes simplex).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• glaucoma; or
• cataracts, or if you need cataract surgery.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Dexamethasone and tobramycin may lead to serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• severe eye redness, itching, or swelling;
• blurred vision, tunnel vision, or seeing halos around lights;
• pain behind your eyes, sudden changes in vision;
• slow healing after eye surgery; or
• signs of an eye infection--redness, severe discomfort, crusting, or drainage.

Common side effects of dexamethasone and tobramycin may include:

• minor burning or stinging.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may happen. Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in dexamethasone and tobramycin could permanently stain the lenses. Use the medicine at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

Shake the eye drops well just before each use.

To use the eye drops: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.

To apply the ointment: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Squeeze a ribbon of ointment from the tube into this pocket. Blink your eye gently and then keep it closed for 1 or 2 minutes. Wipe excess ointment from your eyelashes using a clean tissue.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or ointment tube or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated tip can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

If you use this medicine for longer than 10 days, you may need frequent vision tests to check the pressure inside your eyes.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 days of treatment.

You should not stop using this medicine suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Store this medicine at room temperature. Do not freeze. Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use. Store the eye drops in an upright position.

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if someone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Signs of an overdose may include redness or itching of the eyes, watery eyes, and increased sensitivity to light.

Do not share dexamethasone and tobramycin with anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. However, many drugs can interact with each other. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all the medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.