What is Tobradex: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Tobradex overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Vasocidin, TobraDex ST, Blephamide S.O.P., Maxitrol, Blephamide, Neo-Polycin HC, Pred-G, TobraDex ST, Tobradex, Zylet, Zylet, Pred-G S.O.P., Pred-G, Tobradex, Pred-G S.O.P.

Generic Names:

  • Tobramycin-Dexamethasone

Uses:

  • Treats infections of the eye and eye irritation, swelling, and redness.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Aminoglycoside/Corticosteroid Combination, Tetracycline/Corticosteroid Combination, Sulfonamide/Corticosteroid Combination, Chloramphenicol/Corticosteroid Combination

Forms:

  • Ointment, Drop, Liquid

How it’s taken:

  • Into the eye

What is Tobradex used for?

What form(s) does Tobradex come in

  • Ointment

  • Drop

  • Liquid

What are common Tobradex doses?

  • Tube 3.5GM of 0.3-0.1%

  • Bottle 2.5ML of 0.3-0.1%

  • Bottle 5ML of 0.3-0.1%

  • Bottle 10ML of 0.3-0.1%

Common Tobradex prescriptions

  • TobraDex
    10ml of 0.3-0.1% bottle

  • TobraDex
    2.5ml of 0.3-0.1% bottle

  • TobraDex
    5ml of 0.3-0.1% bottle

  • TobraDex
    3.5gm of 0.3-0.1% tube of ointment

How to take Tobradex

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. This medicine is not for long-term use.

  • Wash your hands before and after using the medicine.

  • Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.

  • Shake the eye drops well just before each use.

  • To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.

  • To use the ointment: Hold the tip of the tube close to your eye with the other hand. Avoid touching the tip of the tube to your eye or finger. Squeeze a ribbon of ointment into the pocket between your lower lid and eyeball. Close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Wipe the tip with a clean tissue and close the tube tightly. Keep the tube tightly closed when you are not using it.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.

  • To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.

  • Wash your hands before and after using the medicine.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. This medicine is not for long-term use.

  • To use the ointment: Hold the tip of the tube close to your eye with the other hand. Avoid touching the tip of the tube to your eye or finger. Squeeze a ribbon of ointment into the pocket between your lower lid and eyeball. Close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Wipe the tip with a clean tissue and close the tube tightly. Keep the tube tightly closed when you are not using it.

  • Shake the eye drops well just before each use.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

What to do if you miss a dose of Tobradex

  • Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.

Tobradex contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to any antibacterial medicines or to steroids, such as cortisone, hydrocortisone, or prednisone.

Tobradex warnings

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have glaucoma, cataracts, or any other eye condition before taking this medicine.

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

Tobradex interactions

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have glaucoma, cataracts, or any other eye condition before taking this medicine.

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

Tobradex side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Severe eye irritation that was not there before using this medicine

  • Vision changes

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Stinging, redness, or burning of the eye