Dexamethasone + Tobramycin

Dexamethasone + Tobramycin is a ophthalmic corticosteroid and aminoglycoside antibiotic combination medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Steroid-responsive inflammatory conditions of the eye where superficial bacterial infection is present or suspected.
• Inflammation of the eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea or anterior part of the eye when susceptible bacteria are involved or prophylactic antibiotic cover is considered necessary.
• Post-operative ocular inflammation when bacterial infection risk is considered by the prescriber.

Use only as prescribed for the specific eye condition. For adults, eye drops are commonly instilled into the affected eye at intervals directed by the doctor, and frequency may be higher at the start and then reduced as the condition improves. Eye ointment is usually applied as a small ribbon inside the lower eyelid as directed. Do not touch the dropper or tube tip to the eye, eyelid or any surface. If using more than one eye medicine, leave a gap between products; ointment is usually applied last. Complete the prescribed course and do not continue longer than advised.

• Temporary burning, stinging, irritation, itching or discomfort after application.
• Blurred vision, especially after ointment use.
• Redness, tearing, eyelid swelling or foreign-body sensation.
• Allergic reactions such as rash, worsening itching or swelling.
• Raised intraocular pressure or glaucoma with prolonged steroid use.
• Cataract formation with long-term steroid exposure.
• Delayed wound healing or corneal thinning in susceptible patients.
• Secondary eye infection, including fungal infection, may occur with prolonged use.
• Seek urgent medical help for eye pain, worsening redness, vision changes, severe swelling or signs of allergy.

Use with caution in people with glaucoma, high eye pressure, history of herpes simplex eye disease, corneal thinning, recent eye surgery, diabetes, or suspected fungal, viral or mycobacterial eye infection. Prolonged use may require monitoring of intraocular pressure and examination for secondary infection. Do not wear contact lenses during active eye infection unless the prescriber advises otherwise. Use under the guidance of a registered doctor or pharmacist.

• Other eye drops or ointments may dilute or interfere with each other; separate applications by an appropriate interval as advised, and use ointment last.
• Concomitant use with other corticosteroid eye medicines may increase the risk of raised eye pressure, cataract or delayed healing.
• Topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory eye medicines used after eye surgery may increase the risk of corneal healing problems when combined with corticosteroids.
• Systemic absorption from eye use is usually low, but tell the doctor if using aminoglycoside antibiotics or medicines associated with kidney or hearing toxicity.

• Hypersensitivity to dexamethasone, tobramycin, other aminoglycosides, or any component of the product.
• Herpes simplex epithelial keratitis, vaccinia, varicella or other viral diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva.
• Fungal diseases of the eye.
• Mycobacterial infection of the eye.
• Untreated purulent eye infection where steroid use may mask or worsen infection.

During pregnancy or breastfeeding, use only if the expected benefit justifies the potential risk and only on medical advice. Systemic exposure from ophthalmic use is generally low, but steroid and aminoglycoside exposure should still be minimised. After applying drops, gently pressing the inner corner of the eye for a short time may reduce systemic absorption.

Store at room temperature away from excessive heat, moisture and direct light. Keep the bottle or tube tightly closed and out of the reach of children. Do not use if the solution changes colour, becomes cloudy, the seal is broken, or the expiry date has passed. Discard after the period recommended on the label or by the pharmacist after opening.