How do you take Tobramycin?

For eye drops: Put 1-2 drops into the affected eye every 4-6 hours. For severe infections, your doctor may ask you to use it every hour at first, then reduce as the infection improves. For eye ointment: Apply a small ribbon of ointment into the lower eyelid 2-3 times daily. Injection form is given only in a hospital by a healthcare professional.

What are the side effects of Tobramycin?

Mild eye irritation or burning when you apply the drops, temporary blurred vision after application, slight redness or itching of the eye, swelling of the eyelid

Who should not take Tobramycin?

People who are allergic to tobramycin or other aminoglycoside antibiotics like gentamicin. People with kidney disease or hearing problems should use injection form with extreme caution and only under close medical supervision.

Prescription

Aminoglycoside Antibiotic

Tobramycin

Last reviewed July 2026

Who is this for?

For adults (18+). Standard adult dosing applies: see the How to Take tab for full instructions.

What is this drug?

Tobramycin is an antibiotic that kills bacteria by stopping them from making the proteins they need to survive. It is commonly used as eye drops or ointment to treat eye infections, and in injection form for serious body infections.

How it works

Binds irreversibly to the bacterial 30S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting protein synthesis and causing bactericidal cell death in susceptible gram-negative and some gram-positive organisms.

What is it used for?

Eye infections (like apollo or conjunctivitis), serious bacterial infections of the blood, lungs, skin, bones, urinary tract, and stomach area

Browse by condition

Eye Infections Bacterial Infections Sepsis & Severe Infections Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

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Streptomycin

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What to watch out for

Complete the full course of treatment even if your eye feels better, as stopping early can cause the infection to come back stronger. Do not share your eye drops or ointment with another person, even if they have similar symptoms, as this can spread infection. Buy only from licensed pharmacies and avoid roadside sellers, as fake or expired antibiotics are dangerous.

Common Side Effects

Mild eye irritation or burning when you apply the drops
temporary blurred vision after application
slight redness or itching of the eye
swelling of the eyelid

Serious Side Effects

Signs of allergic reaction such as severe swelling
rash
or difficulty breathing require immediate hospital visit. For injection use: hearing problems like ringing in the ears or difficulty hearing
and reduced urination or signs of kidney problems should be reported to your doctor right away.

Drug Interactions

Avoid using tobramycin injection with other medicines that can harm the kidneys or hearing, such as furosemide (a water tablet) or other aminoglycoside antibiotics. If you are using other eye drops, wait at least 5-10 minutes between each one so they do not wash each other out. Let your doctor know about all medicines you are taking.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Tobramycin injection can harm an unborn baby, especially the ears and kidneys, so it should be avoided in pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. Consult your doctor before using any form during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Who Should NOT Take This

People who are allergic to tobramycin or other aminoglycoside antibiotics like gentamicin. People with kidney disease or hearing problems should use injection form with extreme caution and only under close medical supervision.

How to Store

Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. In Nigeria's hot climate, keep it in a cool, dry place, not inside a hot car or near a window. Once opened, eye drops should be used within 4 weeks. Always keep out of reach of children.

For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.