Sometimes, your eyes suddenly become red, itchy, swollen, and feel uncomfortable with a little itching, right? When we go to a doctor at such times, they often prescribe an eye drop. You may have also received this medicine under a name like Tobradex. So, today we will talk very simply about what exactly this medicine is, how to use it, and what things we need to be careful about when using it.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this is a combination of two medications. That's why it's so effective for eye infections.
1. Tobramycin: This is an aminoglycoside antibiotic. This means that it kills the germs that are causing the bacterial infection in your eye.
2. Dexamethasone: This is a type of steroid. It is used to reduce the discomfort of red, swollen, and itchy eyes caused by infection.
So, when these two medicines are combined, on the one hand, they kill the bacteria that caused the infection, and on the other hand, they quickly reduce the discomfort caused by the infection, such as swelling, redness, pain, and itching, and provide you with relief.
Things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Okay, now before you start using this medication, there are some very important things you need to discuss with your doctor. It's important for your own safety to discuss these things.
- Allergies: If you are allergic to Tobramycin, Dexamethasone, or other corticosteroids in this medicine, you should definitely tell your doctor. Also, tell your doctor if you are allergic to other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
- Other eye conditions: It is important to tell your doctor if you already have any other eye conditions, vision problems, or glaucoma . This medicine is especially not suitable if you have a fungal or viral eye infection.
- Pregnancy and lactation: If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, tell your doctor before using this medicine.
How to use this medicine properly?
To get the most out of your medication, it's important to use it correctly. Let's take a look at how to do it step by step.
1. Wash your hands: First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after applying the medicine. This can help prevent germs from getting into your eyes.
2. Shake well: Shake the bottle of this medicine well before using it. This is a `suspension`, meaning the medicine particles float in the liquid, so only when mixed well will the correct dose be delivered to the eye.
3. Prepare the eye: Tilt your head back slightly and gently pull down your lower eyelid with your index finger. This will create a small pouch-like space between your eyelid and your eye, right? That's where the medicine needs to be placed.
4. Don't let it touch: This is the most important thing. Don't let the dropper tip touch your eyes, fingers, or anywhere else. Doing so can introduce germs into the bottle and contaminate the medicine.
5. Put the medicine: Put the number of drops the doctor told you (usually one or two) into the prepared bag.
6. Close your eyes: Then slowly close your eyes and wait for about a minute. Don't close your eyes tightly, just close them slowly. This will allow the medicine to spread throughout your eyes.
The most important thing is to complete the course as prescribed by your doctor. Even if your eye feels better, don't stop halfway through. Otherwise, the infection may come back.
Should I give this to small children?
Doctors sometimes prescribe this medicine even for children over 2 years old. However, it is very important to talk to your pediatrician about it and follow his/her instructions exactly.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause minor side effects in some people. But don't worry, these are usually not serious. Let's be aware of this.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Symptoms such as skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. |
| Changes in vision | Blurred vision, seeing differently than usual. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Minor eye discomfort | Slight burning, itching, or redness of the eye after applying the medication. (This usually goes away after a while.) |
Things to keep in mind
- Contact Lenses: It is best not to wear contact lenses when you have an eye infection. Ask your doctor when you can start wearing contact lenses again after the infection has completely cleared up.
- Cleanliness: To prevent the infection from spreading to others or your other eye, do not share your eye drops, towels, or hand sanitizer with other family members.
- Dosage: If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
- If you overdose: If you think you may have overdosed, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
- Storage: Keep this medicine bottle out of the reach of small children, at room temperature (between 8 and 27 degrees Celsius). Throw away any medicine left after the expiration date.
Take-Home Message
- This medicine is a combination of two medications that are given to control bacterial eye infections and the swelling and redness that result.
- Shake the bottle well before use. Do not let the mouth of the bottle touch your eyes or fingers when applying the medicine.
- Even if your eyes feel better, complete the course as prescribed by your doctor.
- Avoid using contact lenses when you have an eye infection.
- If you experience any changes in vision or signs of an allergic reaction (such as facial swelling, hives), tell your doctor immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others, especially family members.
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