Helps treat Pseudomonas infections in patients with cystic fibrosis. Belongs to a class of drugs called aminoglycoside antibiotics
Brand Names:
Tobi
Contraindications:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to tobramycin or other aminoglycoside antibiotics such as streptomycin, amikacin, kanamycin, neomycin, netilmicin, or gentamicin
Uses:
Spray
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use and how often. You may be told to use the medicine 2 times a day for 28 days, then stop using the medicine for 28 days, and then repeat the cycle.
If you use 2 treatments daily, try to space them 12 hours apart and not less than 6 hours apart.
You should receive another information sheet that will tell you how to use the medicine and take care of the equipment needed to give the medicine.
The medicine is a clear yellow liquid that comes in a plastic vial called an ampule. You may be told to use one ampule of medicine for each treatment. Check the medicine before your treatment. If the liquid is cloudy or if you see specks, you should not use the medicine.
An air compressor is used with a nebulizer to turn the medicine into a fine spray. You will breathe the spray in through your mouth and to your lungs.
You will need to use the nebulizer for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the medicine in the nebulizer cup is gone. You may hear a sputtering sound when the cup is empty.
Clean all the parts of the nebulizer after each use.
You may want to rinse your mouth or suck on hard candy if the medicine leaves a bad taste in your mouth.
Never share your medicine with anyone.
If a dose is missed:
Use the medicine as soon as possible. Then wait at least 6 hours before using your next dose.
You should not use two doses at the same time.
Storage:
Store the medicine in the refrigerator. You should not use the medicine after the expiration date on the ampule has passed.
If you can't keep the medicine in the refrigerator, store the medicine in the foil pouch at room temperature away from heat or direct light. You should not use the unrefrigerated medicine after 28 days.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Do not mix other medicine with tobramycin in the nebulizer unless your doctor tells you to.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are using other aminoglycoside medicines (such as streptomycin, amikacin, kanamycin, neomycin, netilmicin, or gentamicin) or diuretics (water pills such as furosemide).
Warnings:
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or become pregnant while being treated with this medicine. Tobramycin used during a pregnancy may cause hearing problems in an unborn baby. You should not breastfeed while using this medicine, because you may give the medicine to your baby through breast milk.
This medicine may cause hearing loss. Call your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your hearing or if you have ringing in your ears, headaches, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness.
Your doctor may want to test your hearing while you are being treated with tobramycin. Tell your doctor if you already have hearing problems before you are given this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or a muscle disorder such as Parkinson's disease or myasthenia gravis.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Increased coughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing
