Uses
Tobramycin injection is used to treat certain serious infections that are caused by bacteria such as meningitis (infection of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord) and infections of the blood, abdomen (stomach area), lungs, skin, bones, joints, and urinary tract. Tobramycin injection is in a class of medications called aminoglycoside antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria.
Antibiotics such as tobramycin injection will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.
Side Effects Of Tobramycin Injection
Tobramycin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- pain at the injection site
- headache
- fever
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS section, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- rash
- peeling or blistering of the skin
- itching
- hives
- swelling of the eyes, face, throat, tongue, or lips
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- hoarseness
Tobramycin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before using tobramycin:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to tobramycin injection; other aminoglycoside antibiotics such as amikacin, gentamicin, kanamycin, neomycin, or streptomycin; sulfites; any other medications; or any of the ingredients in tobramycin injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements, you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention the medications listed in the WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS section and any of the following: other antibiotics such as amoxicillin (Amoxil, Larotid, Moxatag, in Augmentin, in Prevpac), ampicillin, or penicillin; dimenhydrinate (Dramamine); meclizine (Bonine); or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as indomethacin (Indocin, Tivorbex). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with tobramycin, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
- tell your doctor if you are or have or have ever had cystic fibrosis (an inherited condition that affects the lungs and digestive system), problems with your muscles such as myasthenia gravis, or Parkinson’s disease.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using tobramycin injection.
Dosage Of Tobramycin Injection
Tobramycin injection comes as a liquid to be injected intravenously (into a vein) or intramuscularly (into a muscle). When tobramycin is injected intravenously, it is usually infused (injected slowly) over a period of 20 to 60 minutes once every 6 or 8 hours. The length of your treatment depends on the type of infection you have.
You may receive tobramycin injection in a hospital or you may administer the medication at home. If you will be receiving tobramycin injection at home, your healthcare provider will show you how to use the medication. Be sure that you understand these directions, and ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions.
You should begin to feel better during the first few days of treatment with tobramycin injection. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, call your doctor.
Use tobramycin injection until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop using tobramycin injection too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
Other
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
