Sometimes, some bacterial infections in the lungs can be quite severe. In that case, your doctor may give you a special medicine to inhale. This medicine is called Tobramycin. In this article, we will explain exactly how to use this medicine, what you need to be careful of, and what side effects may occur.
What kind of medicine is Tobramycin?
Simply put, tobramycin is an antibiotic that belongs to the aminoglycoside class. Its main function is to control or prevent certain types of bacterial infections in the lungs.
Important: This is a medicine that only works against bacteria. It has no effect on viral infections like the common cold and flu. Therefore, use it only if prescribed by a doctor.
This medicine is available in Sri Lanka and abroad under brand names such as TOBI Podhaler.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Your doctor will need to have a complete understanding of your health before prescribing this medication. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Your situation | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Balance problems | This medication can sometimes affect balance. |
| Hearing impairment or problems | This can affect hearing, so it is important to be aware of the problems that exist. |
| Kidney disease | Because the kidneys remove medications from the body, it is essential to know about kidney function. |
| Myasthenia Gravis or Parkinson's disease | The symptoms of these conditions may worsen. |
| Any type of allergy | Tell your doctor if you are allergic to tobramycin, other aminoglycosides, sulfites, other medicines, foods, preservatives, or dyes. |
| Pregnancy or breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, it is very important to tell your doctor. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
This medicine is used by breathing it in through the mouth and into the lungs (inhalation). A special device (inhaler) is used for this, and your doctor or hospital will show you how to use it.
- Follow the instructions: Take your medicine exactly as your doctor tells you, at the right time, and according to the directions on the label. Do not take more than the prescribed amount.
- Don't stop taking your medicine: Even if you feel a little better, don't stop taking your medicine until your doctor tells you to. Take the full dose of medicine for the full prescribed time. Otherwise, the infection may come back.
- Read the instruction leaflet: Always read the instruction leaflet that comes with your medicine carefully.
- For children: This medicine is given to children over 6 years of age in some special cases. However, it requires special care and precautions. Talk to your pediatrician about this.
What to do if the dose increases? (Overdosage)
If you think you have taken too much medicine, don't panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a medication appointment?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to your next dose (e.g. within 2-3 hours), skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. The most important thing is to leave at least 6 hours between doses. Never take two doses at once.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Tobramycin is a medication that can interact with other medications, so it is important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
| Do not take tobramycin with this medicine. | |
|---|---|
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| Tell the doctor about these things too. | |
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This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about any other medications, herbs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. Also, be sure to tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs .
Possible side effects while taking the medicine
Like any medicine, tobramycin can cause some side effects. Some of them can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Difficulty breathing after taking the medicine. |
| Changes in urine | A change in the amount or color of urine you pass. |
| Hearing changes | Hearing loss, ringing in the ears. |
| Dizziness, loss of balance | Dizziness , a feeling of losing balance. |
| Other serious symptoms |
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| If these symptoms persist or become bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Diarrhea | Important: If you have diarrhea, do not take over-the-counter medications. If you have severe, watery diarrhea that lasts more than two days, call your doctor immediately. |
| Other minor features |
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How to store the medicine?
- Keep away from children: Always keep medicines in a safe place out of the reach of children.
- Temperature: Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (68-77 Fahrenheit).
- Original packaging: Keep the medicine in the original container it came in.
- Expiration: Discard any medicine left after the expiration date.
This medication may cause your body to have low levels of vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. Therefore, talk to your doctor about eating foods that contain these vitamins and taking vitamin pills if necessary.
Take-Home Message
- Tobramycin is an antibiotic given for bacterial infections of the lungs. It does not work against viruses.
- Before using this medicine, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Take the medicine at the prescribed dose for the full duration prescribed by the doctor. Do not stop taking it halfway.
- Be aware of serious side effects (difficulty breathing, allergies, hearing changes). If you notice any of these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately.
- If you suspect an overdose, call the National Poisons Information Center or go to the ETU .
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
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