Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Nebcin

Generic Name: tobramycin (injection) (Pronunciation: toe bra MYE sin)

• What is tobramycin injection (Nebcin)?
• What are the possible side effects of tobramycin injection (Nebcin)?
• What is the most important information I should know about tobramycin injection (Nebcin)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before using tobramycin injection (Nebcin)?
• How should I use tobramycin injection (Nebcin)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Nebcin)?
• What happens if I overdose (Nebcin)?
• What should I avoid while using tobramycin injection (Nebcin)?
• What other drugs will affect tobramycin injection (Nebcin)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is tobramycin injection (Nebcin)?

Tobramycin is in a group of antibiotics called aminoglycosides (ah-meen-oh-GLY-ko-sides). Tobramycin fights infections that are caused by bacteria.

Tobramycin injection is used to treat bacterial infections of the skin, heart, stomach, brain and spinal cord, respiratory system, and urinary tract. It is also used in the treatment of cystic fibrosis. Tobramycin injection is sometimes used together with other antibiotics.

Tobramycin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of tobramycin injection (Nebcin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• hearing loss or ringing in your ears (even after you have stopped using tobramycin injection);
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• muscle stiffness or uncontrolled twitching;
• wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing;
• confusion, seizure (convulsions); or
• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.

Less serious side effects may include:

• muscle weakness; or
• numbness or tingly feeling.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about tobramycin injection (Nebcin)?

There may be other drugs that can affect tobramycin injection. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Contact your doctor promptly if you have any hearing loss or ringing in your ears, even if these side effects occur long after you have stopped using tobramycin injection.

Other serious side effects include urinating less than usual or not at all, muscle stiffness or uncontrolled twitching, and wheezing, chest tightness, or trouble breathing.

Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Tobramycin injection will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Tobramycin injection can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

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