How do you use this medicine for your eyes? (Tobramycin; Dexamethasone Eye Ointment)

Have you ever had red, itchy, and swollen eyes and gone to the doctor and been prescribed a medicine in a small tube? It may have been called Tobradex. In this article, we will simply talk about what this really is, how to use it, and what you need to know.

What really happens with this medicine?

Simply put, this is a combination of two medications. That means it has two main ingredients.

1. Tobramycin: This is an antibiotic . Specifically, it belongs to the group called aminoglycosides. It works by killing the bacteria that are causing the bacterial infection in your eye.

2. Dexamethasone: This is a type of steroid . It is used to reduce swelling, redness, and itching in the eye caused by infection.

The combination of these two can quickly reduce the discomfort caused by the infection while healing it.

Things you need to tell your doctor before using the medicine

Okay, now before using this medicine, there are a few things you need to inform your doctor about. Don't forget to mention these, because they are very important for your safety.

• About other eye diseases or vision problems you already have.
• If you or someone in your family has glaucoma.
• If you have another type of infection (for example, a viral or fungal infection of the eye), because this medicine is only given for bacterial infections.
• If you have allergies to Tobramycin, Dexamethasone, other corticosteroids, other medicines, foods, or dyes contained in this medicine.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother.

How do you properly apply this medicine to your eyes?

To get the full benefit of the medicine, you need to apply it correctly. Let's see how to do that.

1. First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap. It is a good habit to wash your hands even after applying medicine.

2. Tilt your head back a little and look up. Now, with your index finger, gently pull your lower eyelid down. This will create a small pouch-like space between your eyelid and your eye.

3. Do not touch the tip of the medicine tube to your eye, your fingertips, or anywhere else. Doing so can introduce germs into the tip of the tube, which can get into your eye the next time you apply the medicine.

4. Now, gently squeeze the tip of the tube and apply a thin strip of medicine about 1 centimeter long into the lower eyelid pouch you created.

5. Close your eyes slowly and roll your eyeball in and out slightly to spread the medicine throughout your eye. Hold your eyes closed for about a minute.

6. Your vision may be slightly blurred for a while after applying the medication. This is normal.

Most importantly: Do not use more than the number of times your doctor has prescribed. Also, even if you feel better, use the medicine for the full number of days your doctor has prescribed. Do not stop taking it without medical advice.

Should I give this to small children?

This medicine can sometimes be prescribed by the doctor for children over 2 years of age in special cases. However, only the doctor can decide on this. Therefore, if using this for a young child, it is essential to follow the doctor's instructions exactly.

What to do if you use too much medicine or forget to take it?

If the medicine is used excessively

Don't worry if you get more medicine than you think you should. It usually won't cause any harm. But if someone accidentally swallows this medicine, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

This medicine is for you only. Never give your medicine to someone else, even if it has the same symptoms as you.

If you forget to take your medicine

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (e.g., within an hour or two), skip the missed dose and take only the dose you are supposed to take at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose at once.

What are the possible side effects?

Like all medications, this one can cause minor side effects in some people. But it doesn't happen to everyone. Let's be aware.

A few other important points

• If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they seem to get worse, talk to your doctor again immediately.
• Do not wear contact lenses if you have any signs of an eye infection. Ask your doctor when you can wear them again after the infection has completely cleared up.
• To prevent spreading the infection to others, do not share your eye contact items, such as towels, pillowcases, or washcloths. Wash your hands often.
• When using this medicine, do not use any other eye drops or medications without consulting your doctor.