What is Tobramycin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Tobramycin overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • PremierPro Rx Tobramycin Sulfate, Tobramycin Sulfate Novaplus

Generic Names:

  • Tobramycin Sulfate

Uses:

  • Treats infections. Belongs to a class of drugs called aminoglycoside antibiotics.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antibiotic

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Tobramycin used for?

Tobramycin sulfate is an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections. Tobramycin sulfate belongs to a class of drugs called aminoglycoside antibiotics. Tobramycin sulfate is a generic medication also sold under the trade names Nebcin, Tobi, and Tobrex. Tobramycin sulfate has been available for years. In the treatment of some bacterial infections, tobramycin sulfate use is common.

What form(s) does Tobramycin come in

  • Injectable

What are common Tobramycin doses?

  • Vial 30ML of 1.2GM/30ML

  • Vial 50ML of 2GM/50ML

  • Vial 2ML of 10MG/ML

  • Vial 2ML of 80MG/2ML

  • Bottle 1GM of

  • Bottle 5GM of

Common Tobramycin prescriptions

  • Tobramycin Sulfate
    1.2gm solution reconstituted

  • Tobramycin Sulfate
    2ml of 10mg/ml vial

  • Tobramycin Sulfate
    2ml of 80mg/2ml vial

  • Tobramycin Sulfate
    30ml of 1.2gm/30ml vial

How to take Tobramycin

  • Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given.

  • An IM injection is a shot given in your muscle (upper arm, thigh, buttocks). An IV infusion is medicine that is put directly into your body through one of your veins.

  • This medicine should be given by a person trained to give IV or IM medicine, such as a nurse. Sometimes you, a family member, or friend can be taught to give your medicine.

  • If you are receiving IV medicine, check the bag to make sure there are no leaks. Also make sure the solution is clear.

  • If you are receiving IV medicine, check the bag to make sure there are no leaks. Also make sure the solution is clear.

  • This medicine should be given by a person trained to give IV or IM medicine, such as a nurse. Sometimes you, a family member, or friend can be taught to give your medicine.

  • Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given.

  • An IM injection is a shot given in your muscle (upper arm, thigh, buttocks). An IV infusion is medicine that is put directly into your body through one of your veins.

What to do if you miss a dose of Tobramycin

  • This medicine needs to be given on a regular schedule. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, and take the rest of the doses for the day at regularly spaced time intervals.

  • If you miss more than one dose, call your doctor for instructions.

  • If you have your treatments at home, you should be given a special container for the used needles. Keep it where children or pets cannot reach it.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Tobramycin contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to tobramycin or any other aminoglycoside antibiotic such as Amikin® or Garamycin®.

Tobramycin warnings

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

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease or myasthenia gravis.

  • Call your doctor right away if you notice any change in your hearing. Your doctor may want you to have hearing tests while you are taking tobramycin.

  • If your infection does not improve, or gets worse, while taking this medicine, call your doctor.

  • Wheezing or trouble breathing

  • Urinating less than one cup in a day

  • Severe diarrhea (watery or bloody)

  • Swelling, pain, or redness near where your IV needle is placed

  • Muscle twitching or weakness

Tobramycin interactions

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking a diuretic (water pills) or any other antibiotic medicine.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease or myasthenia gravis.

  • Call your doctor right away if you notice any change in your hearing. Your doctor may want you to have hearing tests while you are taking tobramycin.

  • If your infection does not improve, or gets worse, while taking this medicine, call your doctor.

Tobramycin side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Swelling of the face, throat, or lips

  • Severe diarrhea (watery or bloody)

  • Urinating less than one cup in a day

  • Muscle twitching or weakness

  • Swelling, pain, or redness near where your IV needle is placed

  • Wheezing or trouble breathing

  • Dizziness or trouble standing

  • Ringing in the ears or trouble hearing

  • Rash or hives

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Nausea or upset stomach

  • Mild diarrhea

  • Pain where the IM shot was given