Tobrexan

Tobrexan (tobramycin ophthalmic ointment) 0.3 % is a topical antibiotic indicated in the treatment of external infections of the eye and its adnexa caused by susceptible bacteria. Appropriate monitoring of bacterial response to topical antibiotic therapy should accompany the use of Tobrexan (tobramycin ophthalmic ointment) 0.3%. Clinical studies have shown tobramycin to be safe and effective for use in children.

In mild to moderate disease, apply a half-inch ribbon into the affected eye(s) two or three times per day. In severe infections, instill a half-inch ribbon into the affected eye(s) every three to four hours until improvement, following which treatment should be reduced prior to discontinuation.

How to Apply Tobrexan (tobramycin ophthalmic ointment) 0.3%:

1. Tilt your head back.
2. Place a finger on your cheek just under your eye and gently pull down until a ‘‘V'' pocket is formed between your eyeball and your lower lid.
3. Place a small amount (about 1/2 inch) of Tobrexan (tobramycin ophthalmic ointment) 0.3 % in the ‘‘V'' pocket. Do not let the tip of the tube touch your eye.
4. Look downward before closing your eye.

Tobrexan (tobramycin ophthalmic ointment) 0.3% is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of its components.

WARNINGS

NOT FOR INJECTION INTO THE EYE. Sensitivity to topically applied aminoglycosides may occur in some patients. If a sensitivity reaction to Tobrexan (tobramycin ophthalmic ointment) 0.3 % occurs, discontinue use.

PRECAUTIONS

General

As with other antibiotic preparations, prolonged use may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi. If superinfection occurs, appropriate therapy should be initiated. Ophthalmic ointments may retard corneal wound healing. Cross-sensitivity to other aminoglycoside antibiotics may occur; if hypersensitivity develops with this product, discontinue use and institute appropriate therapy. Patients should be advised not to wear contact lenses if they have signs and symptoms of ocular infections.

Pregnancy Category B

Reproduction studies in three types of animals at doses up to thirty-three times the normal human systemic dose have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to tobramycin. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Nursing Mothers

Because of the potential for adverse reactions in nursing infants from Tobrexan® (tobramycin ophthalmic ointment) 0.3 %, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing the infant or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 2 months has not been established.

Geriatric Use

No overall clinical differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between the elderly and other adult patients.

The most frequent adverse reactions to Tobrexan (tobramycin ophthalmic ointment) 0.3% are hypersensitivity and localized ocular toxicity, including lid itching and swelling, and conjunctival erythema. These reactions occur in less than three of 100 patients treated with Tobrexan (tobramycin ophthalmic ointment) 0.3%. Similar reactions may occur with the topical use of other aminoglycoside antibiotics. Other adverse reactions have not been reported from Tobrexan (tobramycin ophthalmic ointment) 0.3% therapy; however, if topical ocular tobramycin is administered concomitantly with systemic aminoglycoside antibiotics, care should be taken to monitor the total serum concentration. In clinical trials, Tobrexan (tobramycin ophthalmic ointment) 0.3% produced significantly fewer adverse reactions (3.7%) than did GARAMYCIN® Ophthalmic Ointment (10.6%).

Clinically apparent signs and symptoms of an overdose of Tobrexan (tobramycin ophthalmic ointment) 0.3% (punctate keratitis, erythema, increased lacrimation, edema and lid itching) may be similar to adverse reaction effects seen in some patients.