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This medication is used to treat a certain persistent bacterial lung infection (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) in patients with a certain disease that affects several organs of the body, including the lungs (cystic fibrosis-CF). The thick mucus produced in the airways of CF patients often leads to persistent infection with the Pseudomonas bacteria. Repeated, worsening infections can eventually cause severe lung damage. Tobramycin for inhalation belongs to a class of drugs known as aminoglycoside antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of the bacteria in the lungs. This effect decreases worsening infections, decreases lung damage, and improves breathing.
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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Tobramycin
Uses
This medication is used to treat a certain persistent bacterial lung infection (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) in patients with a certain disease that affects several organs of the body, including the lungs (cystic fibrosis-CF). The thick mucus produced in the airways of CF patients often leads to persistent infection with the Pseudomonas bacteria. Repeated, worsening infections can eventually cause severe lung damage. Tobramycin for inhalation belongs to a class of drugs known as aminoglycoside antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of the bacteria in the lungs. This effect decreases worsening infections, decreases lung damage, and improves breathing.
Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., breathing tests, hearing tests, kidney blood tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
- Consult your doctor for more details.
Storage
- Store ampules in the refrigerator between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C) away from light.
- Brief storage for up to 28 days at temperatures up to 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) is permitted.
- Discard any tobramycin ampules that have been stored at room temperature for more than 28 days.
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
How To Use
- Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using tobramycin for inhalation and each time you get a refill.
- If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.This medication is given using a special breathing machine called a nebulizer.
- Use inhaled tobramycin every 12 hours or exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Each treatment lasts about 15 minutes.
- This medicine is used for 28 days in a row, followed by 28 days without this medication, repeating the cycle until your doctor directs you to stop.Follow the directions for using the medicine in the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with this medication.
- This medication must be used with a certain brand of nebulizer.
- Exactly follow the directions for assembly, proper use, cleaning, and maintenance of the nebulizer.
- If you have any questions about proper use of this medication or the nebulizer, consult your pharmacist.Each ampule of tobramycin is a single-use dose.
- Inspect each ampule of tobramycin before use.
- Tobramycin for inhalation is slightly yellow and may darken with age.
- This is normal.
- Discard the ampule if you see cloudiness or particles or if the medication has expired.
- Make sure to use all of the contents of the ampule for each dose.
- Do not mix tobramycin with any other nebulizer medicines.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it.
- To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.
- Use your dose as close as possible to 12 hours apart.Immediately tell your doctor if your breathing problems persists or worsen or if you develop a fever.
Side Effects
- Hoarseness, increased cough, sore throat, increased phlegm, and runny nose may occur.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: signs of hearing loss (e.g., ringing in the ears, dizziness, trouble hearing), decreased in the amount of urine, wheezing, sudden breathing problems.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
- However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before taking tobramycin for inhalation, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g., gentamicin); or if you have any other allergies.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: decreased kidney function, hearing loss, a certain muscle problem (myasthenia gravis), asthma.This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
- It may harm an unborn baby.
- Consult your doctor for more details.
- Discuss reliable forms of birth control with your doctor.
- If you become pregnant while taking this medication, tell your doctor immediately.It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk.
- Tobramycin may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
- If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
- If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
- Do not double the dose to catch up.
Drug Interactions
- Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: ethacrynic acid, furosemide, urea, mannitol.If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting tobramycin for inhalation.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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