Tobradex (tobramycin/dexamethasone) tips from pharmacists

• Do not use other eye drop products while using Tobradex unless instructed by your doctor. 

• If you are instructed to use other eye drop(s) while using Tobradex, wait at least 5 minutes before or after the application of Tobradex to instill the other eye drop product(s).

• Even if your symptoms improve, you should not discontinue therapy prematurely. Not using the entire course of treatment can cause your infection to come back and be harder to treat. 

• Also, do not use Tobradex longer than what is instructed on your prescription. Long-term use of Tobradex may cause unwanted adverse effects. 

• Don’t touch the tip of the container as it is sterile. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after using Tobradex.

• Don’t wear contact lenses while using Tobradex or with an eye infection. Make sure to discard the contact lenses you were wearing before using Tobradex because they may have bacteria on them. Ask your doctor when it is safe to wear contacts again. 

• If you are using the Tobradex suspension (eye drops), shake the bottle well before each use. After instilling the drop(s) in your eye, close the eye and gently place one finger to the corner of your eye by the nose to prevent the medication from draining down the tear ducts. 

• If you are using the Tobradex ointment, gently pull down the lower eyelid, gently squeeze the tube to place a ½ inch (1.3 centimeters) strip of ointment into the pouch. Close your eye and roll the eyeball in all directions to evenly distribute the ointment.