tobradex eye drops (tobramycin)
Tobradex Eye Drops Overview
Tobradex is a brand name formulation of a medicine called tobramycin. Tobramycin is a type of antibiotic medicine, meaning that it works to eliminate infection by destroying bacteria itself. In the case of tobramycin, the medicine eliminates the ability of the bacteria to properly produce protein, and the bacteria cells die off quickly, thereby reducing the infection as well. Through a short-term tobramycin eye drop treatment, most bacteria related eye infections can be put down very quickly.
Overview of Tobradex for Dogs and Cats Tobramycin is an antibiotic sometimes used in dogs and cats that inhibits bacteria by suppressing protein synthesis and growth. Through this mechanism, tobramycin kills bacteria rapidly. Tobramycin comes from the class of drugs called aminoglycosides. Other related drugs in this class include neomycin, amikacin, gentamicin and kanamycin. Tobramycin is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian. This drug is not approved for use in animals by the Food and Drug Administration but it is prescribed legally by veterinarians as an extra-label drug.
Function
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The tobramycin aggressively kills any bacteria invading a dog's eye. But the dog's natural immune responses may mistake the tobramycin as an invader and destroy it before it can kill the invading bacteria. Therefore, the dexamethasone is added to suppress the dog's immune system so the tobramycin can kill the bacteria.
Types
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Tobradex comes in eye drops and eye ointment. According to Alcon, the manufacturer, each millimeter contains 0.3% tobramycin and 0.1% dexamethasone. The drops need to be shaken before use in order to be sure because the active ingredients settle to the bottle's bottom. Both of these can only be purchased with a prescription from your veterinarian.
Dosage
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Because Tobradex is a human drug, there are no dosage standards set up for dogs. The dosage amount is determined by the veterinarian for the particular dog's needs. The goal is to give the smallest possible amount that will both control the infection and yet not produce bad side effects. Even The Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat (Kate A.W. Roby, VMD, et al; 1998) will not give a dosage recommendation.
