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Tobradex Warnings and Precautions
Tell your healthcare provider about any existing medical conditions you have before using Tobradex. Warnings and precautions should also be discussed with your healthcare provider, as it is important to know what side effects may occur and which ones are potentially serious. You may not be able to use this eye medication safely if you have certain allergies or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to using Tobradex® (tobramycin and dexamethasone) if you have:
- A viral eye infection, such as a herpes eye infection
- A fungal eye infection
- A tuberculosis infection of the eye
- Glaucoma
- Any allergies, including to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
- Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
- Breastfeeding.
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medications you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Some warnings and precautions to be aware of prior to using Tobradex include the following:
- This medication is for application on the eye only. It should never be injected directly into the eye.
- Prolonged use of eye steroids (including Tobradex) may increase the risk of glaucoma, a serious eye condition. Your healthcare provider should monitor the pressure in your eye (to check for glaucoma) regularly, especially if you use Tobradex for more than a few days.
- Steroids (like the one in Tobradex) can suppress the body's immune system. It is possible that Tobradex (especially if used for a long time) may increase the risk of eye infections, including fungal and viral infections. Sometimes, steroids can mask an infection or make the infection worse.
- In order to prevent contamination of the drops or ointment, do not touch the tip of the dropper or tube to any surface, including the surface of the eye.
- Do not wear contact lenses if you have symptoms of an eye infection or while using this product.
- Tobradex is considered a pregnancy Category C medication. This means that it might be unsafe for use during pregnancy, although the full risks are not currently known (see Tobradex and Pregnancy).
- It is unknown if Tobradex passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to start breastfeeding, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to using the drug (see Tobradex and Breastfeeding).
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD