Tobradex eye ointment contains a combination of tobramycin and dexamethasone. Tobramycin is an antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections.

Dexamethasone is a steroid. Dexamethasone ophthalmic is used to treat the swelling associated with bacterial eye infections.

Tobradex is used to treat bacterial infections or inflammation of the eyes. 

The Tobradex eye ointment is usually applied twice a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use Tobradex ointment exactly as directed. 

To use the Tobradex eye ointment, follow these instructions:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Use a mirror or have someone else apply the ointment.
• Avoid touching the tip of the tube against your eye or anything else. The ointment must be kept clean.
• Tilt your head forward slightly.
• Holding the tube between your thumb and index finger, place it near your eyelid as close as possible without touching it.
• Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your cheek or nose.
• With the index finger of your other hand, pull the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
• Place a small amount of ointment into the pocket made by the lower lid and the eye. A 1/2-inch (1.25-centimeter) strip of ointment usually is enough unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
• Look downward, then gently close your eyes and keep them closed for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the medication to be absorbed.
• Replace and tighten the cap right away.
• Wipe off any excess ointment from your eyelids and lashes with a clean tissue. Wash your hands again.

Please do not use Tobradex eye ointment if you have a viral or fungal infection in the eye, such as herpes, vaccinia, or varicella. It is used to treat infections caused by bacteria only. Do not use Tobradex for mycobacterial infections of the eye.

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to aminoglycoside antibiotics (including gentamicin, streptomycin, tobramycin, and others). It may cause an allergic reaction to Tobradex.

It is not known whether Tobradex will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use Tobradex without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

Serious side effects are not expected to occur using Tobradex eye ointment.

Some burning, stinging, irritation, itching, redness, blurred vision, eyelid itching, swelling, or sensitivity to light may occur.

Long-term use of Tobradex eye ointment could lead to glaucoma, nerve damage in the eye, or cataract formation.

Is it safe to use Tobradex eye ointment while wearing contact lenses?

While wearing contact lenses, you shouldn't use TobraDex. Putting the medication on top of your contact lenses might cause your lenses to move or coat your lenses and make your vision blurry. Make sure to throw away the contact lenses you were wearing before using TobraDex, as they most likely have bacteria on them. Your provider will tell you when it's safe to wear contacts again.

What other drugs will affect Tobradex eye ointment?

Before using Tobradex eye ointment, tell your doctor if you are taking an oral steroid medication such as prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone, others).

What are the side effects of Tobradex eye ointment?

Temporary blurred vision, eye redness, eye discomfort, and eyelid itching/swelling may occur.