What is Tobrex: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Tobrex overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Tobrex

Generic Names:

  • Tobramycin

Uses:

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

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antibiotic

Forms:

  • Ointment, Drop

How it’s taken:

  • Into the eye

What is Tobrex used for?

What form(s) does Tobrex come in

  • Ointment

  • Drop

What are common Tobrex doses?

  • Tube 3.5GM of 0.3%

  • Bottle 5ML of 0.3%

Common Tobrex prescriptions

  • Tobrex
    5ml of 0.3% bottle

  • Tobrex
    3.5gm of 0.3% tube of ointment

How to take Tobrex

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Shake the eye drops well just before each use.

  • Shake the eye drops well just before each 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.

  • 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.

What to do if you miss a dose of Tobrex

  • 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.

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

Tobrex contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to tobramycin or other related medicines, such as gentamicin (Garamycin®).

Tobrex warnings

  • Check with your doctor if your condition worsens, or does not get better while using tobramycin.

Tobrex interactions

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using any other products for the eye.

Tobrex side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Eye irritation that was not there before using the medicine

  • Blurred vision is common for the first few minutes after using. If it continues, talk with your doctor.

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Burning or stinging of the eye, tearing

  • Blurred vision is common for the first few minutes after using. If it continues, talk with your doctor.

Subscribe to our savings newsletter

Health education, drug info, wellness & more

By clicking 'Subscribe', I agree to SingleCare's Terms & Conditions.