This article describes Tobradex’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Tobradex. If you want to know more about Tobradex, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Tobradex is a brand-name medication that comes as an ointment and a liquid suspension that you apply to your eye. (A suspension is a type of liquid mixture.) The suspension form is available in a generic version, which is made up of a combination of tobramycin and dexamethasone.
This article describes dosages of Tobradex.
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Forms and strengths of Tobradex
Tobradex comes in these forms and strengths:
| Form | How to take | Strengths* |
|---|---|---|
| Tobradex ointment | Pull down your lower eyelid, then apply a small ribbon of ointment in the space between the inside of your lower eyelid and your eye. | tobramycin 0.3% and dexamethasone 0.1% |
| Tobradex suspension | Shake the bottle, pull down your lower eyelid, then apply 1–2 drops in the space between the inside of your lower eyelid and your eye. | tobramycin 0.3% and dexamethasone 0.1% |
| Tobradex ST suspension | Shake the bottle, pull down your lower eyelid, then apply 1 drop in the space between the inside of your lower eyelid and your eye. | tobramycin 0.3% and dexamethasone 0.05% |
* Tobradex contains two active ingredients. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)
Dosage of Tobradex
This article describes the recommended dosages for Tobradex. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Tobradex without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of Tobradex in adults
The dosage of Tobradex varies slightly with the different drug forms.
The usual dosing for Tobradex ointment is:
- Dose: Apply about a half inch ribbon inside your lower eyelid.
- Frequency: 3–4 times daily
The usual dose for Tobradex suspension is:
- Dose: Apply 1–2 drops inside your lower eyelid.
- Frequency: every 4–6 hours
- Initial 24–48 hours: Your doctor may recommend using the drops every 2 hours.
The usual dose for Tobradex ST suspension is:
- Dose: Apply 1 drop inside your eyelid.
- Frequency: every 4–6 hours
- Initial 24–48 hours: Your doctor may recommend using the drops every 2 hours.
Dosages of Tobradex in children
Tobradex has been approved for children age 2 years and older. The recommended dosing for children is the same as that described for adults above.
Dosage adjustments for Tobradex
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Tobradex based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- other health conditions you may have
Missed dose of Tobradex
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of Tobradex. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of Tobradex and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Tobradex and its dosage.
How does the dose of Tobradex compare with the dose of Maxitrol?
The dosing for Tobradex ointment and suspension is generally the same as for Maxitrol ointment and suspension. For the ointment, you should apply a half inch ribbon inside your lower eyelid 3–4 times a day. For the suspension, you should apply 1–2 drops inside your lower eyelid every 4–6 hours.
The only difference is that Maxitrol suspension can be initially used every hour for severe conditions. Tobradex suspension can be used every 2 hours for the first 24–48 hours for similar conditions.
Keep in mind that Tobradex and Maxitrol contain different antibiotics. So one drug may be more appropriate to treat your condition.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about the best option for your condition and how to use it.
Is Tobradex used long term?
No, doctors don’t typically prescribe Tobradex as a long-term treatment. Instead, it’s usually recommended for short-term use.
If you have questions about how long you should use Tobradex, talk with your doctor.
How Tobradex is used
You’ll apply Tobradex inside your lower eyelid several times per day. Make sure you do not touch the tip of the tube or bottle to any surface. You should also avoid wearing contact lenses while using Tobradex.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty applying your medication. They can offer recommendations about applying it.
Tobradex coupon
Cost can be a primary consideration when taking or using a medication. You may save money on your prescription for Tobradex by using our Optum Perks discount coupons.
Here are the average costs of Tobradex suspension and Tobradex ST suspension when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
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Get free cardOverdose of Tobradex
It’s important that you do not use more Tobradex than your doctor prescribes. You should also not use or ingest Tobradex in a way your doctor has not prescribed. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
What to do if you use too much Tobradex
If you think you’ve used too much Tobradex, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosages for Tobradex. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of Tobradex without your doctor’s recommendation. You should use Tobradex exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How should I time using Tobradex if I also use other eye drops?
- How soon should I see an improvement in my eye condition once I start using Tobradex?
- Will you change my dosage of Tobradex if the current dosage isn’t working?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.