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Tobramycin Coupon - Tobramycin 5ml of 0.3% eye dropper

tobramycin

Generic Tobrex
Used for Eye Infection, Bacterial Infection
Used for Eye Infection, Bacterial Infection

Tobramycin (Tobrex) is an antibiotic that's used to treat different types of bacterial eye infections. It can be used for people ages 2 months and older. Tobramycin (Tobrex) comes as an ophthalmic solution (eye drops) and eye ointment that are used multiple times per day. It's available in both brand-name and generic versions. The most common side effects include eyelid itching, eyelid swelling, and eye redness. Like with all antibiotics, you shouldn't stop treatment too early because your infection could come back or get harder to treat.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Aileen Chu, PharmD, BCPS
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on July 30, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Tobramycin (Tobrex)?

What is Tobramycin (Tobrex) used for?

  • Bacterial infections of the eye or eyelid

How Tobramycin (Tobrex) works

Tobramycin (Tobrex) is an aminoglycoside antibiotic. It kills bacteria by blocking their ability to make proteins and by damaging their protective covering.

Are you looking for information on tobramycin (Tobi) for inhalation or Tobradex (tobramycin / dexamethasone) eye drops instead?
When does Tobramycin (Tobrex) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsTobrex
Drug ClassAminoglycoside antibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Tobramycin (Tobrex)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

See Risks and Warnings.

Other Side Effects

  • Eyelid itching
  • Eyelid swelling
  • Eye redness

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Severe allergic reaction: rash, swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing
When do Tobramycin (Tobrex) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Eyelid itching
Eyelid swelling
Eyelid redness
Severe allergic reaction
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Itching, redness, swelling, or other sign of eye or eyelid irritation not present before use of this medicine

Symptoms of overdose

Increased watering of the eyes

itching, redness, or swelling of the eyes or eyelids

painful irritation of the clear front part of the eye

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Burning or stinging of the eyes

Eye ointments usually cause your vision to blur for a few minutes after application.

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Tobramycin (Tobrex)

thumbs-up

Pros

Treats various bacterial eye and eyelid infections

Ointment form requires fewer doses per day than most alternatives

Eye drop form is available as a lower-cost generic

thumbs-down

Cons

Can cause temporary eye irritation

Might require more frequent dosing throughout the day for severe infections

Ointment form tends to be messy and harder to put in the eye

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Tobramycin (Tobrex)

pharmacist

  • Be sure to use tobramycin (Tobrex) for the full amount of time that your healthcare provider instructs, even if your eye starts to get better. Stopping tobramycin (Tobrex) too soon can cause your infection to come back and be harder to treat.

    • Wash your hands before and after using tobramycin (Tobrex). Don't let the tip of the container touch your eye, hands, or any other surface. This will help you avoid spreading germs to the medication and to your eyes.

      • Don't put any other medications in the eye for at least 5 minutes before or after tobramycin (Tobrex).

        • It's best not to wear contacts while you have an eye infection, since this can affect how quickly your symptoms improve. Be sure to throw away the contacts you were wearing before you started using tobramycin (Tobrex). They probably have bacteria on them. Wear a new pair of contacts once your infection is cleared up.

          • How to use tobramycin (Tobrex) eye drops: To use the eye drops, tilt your head back a little and look up. Pull your lower eyelid down with one hand. With the other hand, hold the eye drop bottle upside down and close to your eye. Then, squeeze the number of drops you need into your eye. After placing the drop(s) in your eye, close your eye and press one finger to the inner corner of your eye by the nose for 1 to 2 minutes. This helps make sure your eye absorbs the medication.

            • How to use tobramycin (Tobrex) eye ointment: Tilt your head back a little and gently pull down your lower eyelid. Put the ointment into the space between your eyelid and eyeball. Then, let go of the eyelid and close your eye for 1 to 2 minutes, so the medication is able to reach all the necessary parts of the eye. Roll your eyeball around in the meantime. If you want to wipe off extra ointment or greasiness on the outside the eye, do it carefully and make sure you're using a clean tissue. Eye ointments usually cause blurry vision, but this should only last a couple minutes.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Tobramycin (Tobrex)

              Is tobramycin (Tobrex) an antibiotic?
              Yes, tobramycin (Tobrex) is an antibiotic, meaning that it fights against bacterial infections. It belongs to the class of antibiotics called "aminoglycosides." Other medications in the same class include gentamicin (Gentak) and neomycin.
              Is tobramycin (Tobrex) used for pink eye?
              Tobramycin (Tobrex) is a good treatment for pink eye if it's due to a bacterial infection. Keep in mind that pink eye could also be due to a viral infection, which tobramycin (Tobrex) won't be able to treat. If you have an eye infection, it's best to get it diagnosed by a healthcare provider so that you get the right treatment for it.
              How long does it take for tobramycin (Tobrex) to work?
              Since you're applying the medication directly where the infection is (in the eye), tobramycin (Tobrex) should start to work right away. But it might take a few days to see any changes. For most eye or eyelid infections, it usually takes about 3 days for your symptoms to start clearing up, though it might get better sooner if you're using the medication more often for a severe infection. Contact your provider if your infection isn't improving after a few days. Be sure to use tobramycin (Tobrex) for the full amount of time your healthcare provider instructed, even if your eye starts to get better.
              Does tobramycin (Tobrex) expire?
              Yes. Make sure to check the expiration date on the tobramycin (Tobrex) packaging or container and throw it away if it's expired. You shouldn't use medications after they're past their expiration date because they might not work as well. What's more, bacteria could grow in them over time, which could put you at risk for an infection if you use it.
              Is tobramycin (Tobrex) a steroid?
              No. Tobramycin (Tobrex) is an antibiotic that fights bacterial infections. It doesn't have a steroid medication in it. This means it won't help directly with eye inflammation like steroid medications do.
              Is tobramycin (Tobrex) a penicillin?
              No, tobramycin (Tobrex) isn't a penicillin antibiotic. It belongs to the antibiotic class called aminoglycosides. If you're allergic to penicillin antibiotics, you should be able to use tobramycin (Tobrex) since it's a different type of antibiotic.
              Can tobramycin (Tobrex) be used in the ear?
              Tobramycin (Tobrex) isn't FDA-approved for use in the ear for ear infections. Never use tobramycin (Tobrex) in your ears without consulting your provider.
              What kind of bacteria does tobramycin (Tobrex) kill?
              Tobramycin (Tobrex) eye drops and eye ointment work against many different bacteria. You might have heard of some of them, such as Staphylococcus ("staph"), Streptococcus ("strep"), and Escherichia coli ("E.coli"). Your provider will prescribe antibiotic eye medications that target the bacteria that are most likely to be causing your eye infection.
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              What are the risks and warnings for Tobramycin (Tobrex)?

              Tobramycin (Tobrex) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              New infection

              • Risk factors: Using tobramycin (Tobrex) for too long

                It's possible to get a new infection from fungi or bacteria after using tobramycin (Tobrex) for a while. Sometimes, these new infections can be hard to treat and can no longer be treated with tobramycin (Tobrex). Don't use this medication longer than prescribed. Let your provider know if you notice symptoms of a new infection or if the original symptoms don't get better after using tobramycin (Tobrex).

                risk-warning

                Allergic reaction

                • Risk factors: Allergy to other aminoglycoside antibiotics

                  Tobramycin (Tobrex) can sometimes cause an allergic reaction, such as redness, itching, or rash. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using the medication and contact your provider.

                  In some rare cases, the allergy can be serious and cause anaphylaxis (which can cause your throat to close). Call 911 or get medical attention right away if you're having a severe allergic reaction.

                  Let your provider know if you've had allergic reactions in the past to other aminoglycoside antibiotics like gentamicin (Gentak) eye drops.

                  risk-warning

                  Avoid contact lenses

                  Don't wear contact lenses while using tobramycin (Tobrex), since it can affect how quickly your symptoms improve. Throw away the lenses you were wearing before you started using tobramycin (Tobrex) because they'll most likely have bacteria on them. If you're still having symptoms of your infection after you've finished your tobramycin (Tobrex) treatment course, don't start wearing contacts again yet because you might still have an infection.

                  risk-warning

                  Slower healing (for eye ointment only)

                  Eye ointments like tobramycin (Tobrex) might slow healing of the cornea (the protective covering in the front of the eye). Remember to follow up with your provider to make sure that your eye is healing appropriately.

                  risk-warning

                  Risk of contamination (spreading germs)

                  If you use contaminated tobramycin (Tobrex) eye drops or eye ointments, you can develop a new eye infection or make your eye infection worse. Wash your hands each time before you use the eye drops or eye ointment. Don't touch the tip of the container to your eye, with your hands, or to any other surface. Remember to put the cap back on the container after each use.

                  dosage

                  Tobramycin (Tobrex) dosage forms

                  The average cost for 1 eye dropper of 5ml of 0.3% of Tobramycin (Tobrex) is $104.23 with a free GoodRx coupon.0
                  eye dropper
                  Eye dropper
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  5ml of 0.3%1 eye dropper$104.23$104.23
                  tube of ointment
                  Tube of ointment
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  3.5g of 0.3%1 tube$214.96$214.96

                  Typical dosing for Tobramycin (Tobrex)

                  • Eye drops: For mild-to-moderate infections, place 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) every 4 hours. For severe infections, you'll typically start off using 2 drops every hour until the symptoms have improved.

                  • Eye ointment: For mild-to-moderate infections, apply a half-inch-sized ribbon to the affected eye(s) 2 or 3 times per day. For severe infections, you'll typically start off using it every 3 to 4 hours until symptoms have improved.

                  interactions

                  Interactions between Tobramycin (Tobrex) and other drugs

                  Tobramycin (Tobrex) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Tobramycin (Tobrex). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                  • Ataluren

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                  drug-cost

                  How much does Tobramycin (Tobrex) cost?

                  To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                  Tobrex (brand)
                  GoodRx lowest price

                  $104.23

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                  Tobramycin (Tobrex) (generic)
                  GoodRx lowest price

                  $23.51

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                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Tobramycin (Tobrex)?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Tobramycin (Tobrex). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  Tobramycin (Tobrex)
                  Used for:

                  • Bacterial infections of the eye or eyelid

                  $23.51 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Gentamicin (Gentak)
                  Used for:

                  • Bacterial infections of the eye or eyelid

                  $13.81 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan)
                  Used for:

                  • Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye that's caused by a bacterial infection)

                  • Corneal ulcer (keratitis) that's caused by a bacterial infection - eye drops only

                  $10.49 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  images

                  Tobramycin (Tobrex) images

                  yellow - Tobramycin 0.3% Ophthalmic Solution
                  This medicine is Yellow Eye Dropper.yellow - Tobramycin 0.3% Ophthalmic Solution
                  This medicine is Colorless Eye Dropper.
                  This medicine is Colorless Eye Dropper.
                  This medicine is Colorless Eye Dropper.
                  This medicine is Colorless Eye Dropper.

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                  References

                  Best studies we found

                  Alcon Laboratories, Inc. (2023). Tobrex [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  Alembic Pharmaceuticals Inc. (2022). Tobramycin ophthalmic solution - tobramycin ophthalmic solution solution/ drops [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  Krause, K. M., et al. (2016). Aminoglycosides: An overview. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine.

                  National Eye Institute. (2021). How to put in eye drops.

                  View All References (2)

                  Porter, D. (2022). Antibiotic eye drops. American Academy of Ophthalmology.

                  SafeMedication. (n.d.). How to use eye ointments and gels.

                  GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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