Tobramycin is an antibiotic used for certain bacterial infections. You’ll see it as eye drops or ointment for bacterial conjunctivitis, as an inhaled solution for cystic fibrosis lung infections, and as an IV drug in hospitals for serious Gram-negative infections. Each form works differently and has different safety checks — so knowing which one you have matters.
Eye drops are the most common outpatient form. Typical eye drops are 0.3% tobramycin. If your doctor prescribes drops, wash your hands, tilt your head back, pull the lower lid down and place one drop in the pocket. Avoid touching the tip to your eye. If you use ointment, put a thin line inside the lower lid, usually at night. Finish the full course even if symptoms get better sooner — stopping early can let bacteria come back stronger.
The inhaled solution is mainly for people with cystic fibrosis and persistent Pseudomonas infections. A common regimen for inhaled tobramycin solution is 300 mg twice daily in a prescribed nebulizer, usually given in cycles (e.g., 28 days on, 28 days off). Only use a nebulizer that your provider approves and clean it after every use to prevent contamination.
IV tobramycin is used in hospitals for serious infections. Dosing is weight-based and may require blood tests to measure drug levels and kidney function. Never try IV dosing at home unless you’re trained and authorized to do so — dosing mistakes can cause harm.
The main risks are kidney damage (nephrotoxicity) and hearing or balance problems (ototoxicity). Watch for reduced urine, swelling, ringing in the ears, dizziness, or hearing loss. If any of these happen, stop the drug and contact your provider. For inhaled or IV forms, your doctor will check kidney function and may order hearing tests when treatment is long or repeated.
Tobramycin can interact with other medicines that affect kidneys or hearing, such as loop diuretics (furosemide), vancomycin, or other aminoglycosides. Always tell your provider about all prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements you take.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding need a talk with your clinician. Aminoglycosides can affect fetal hearing, so doctors weigh risks and benefits before prescribing. For breastfeeding, follow your provider’s advice about whether to pause nursing or switch treatment.
Storage: keep eye solutions at room temperature unless the label says otherwise and discard multi-use eye drops after about 28 days once opened. For inhaled and IV products, follow pharmacy guidance. Don’t share nebulizers or injection supplies.
Thinking of buying antibiotics online? Use licensed pharmacies and always have a valid prescription. Fake or low-quality meds can be ineffective or dangerous. When in doubt, ask a pharmacist or clinician — better safe than sorry.
Need more help? Use this site’s resources to learn about dosing forms and safety, but treat your doctor’s advice as the final word for your condition.
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