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What should I discuss with my doctor before using tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic (Tobradex)?

Do not use tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic if you have a viral or fungal infection in the eye. It is used to treat infections caused by bacteria only.

It is not known whether tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic (Tobradex)?

Use tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic eye drops or ointment exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before and after using the eye drops or ointment.

To apply the eye drops:

• Shake the drops gently to be sure the medicine is well mixed. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops. If you are using drops in both eyes, repeat the process in the other eye.

To apply the ointment:

• Hold the tube in your hand for a few minutes to warm it up so that the ointment comes out easily. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down gently on your lower eyelid. Apply a thin film of the ointment into your lower eyelid. Close your eye and roll your eyeball around in all directions for 1 to 2 minutes. If you are applying another eye medication, allow at least 10 minutes before application of the other medication.

Do not touch the dropper or tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper or tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.

Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it.

Store tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle or tube properly capped.

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