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What should I discuss with my health care provider before using tobramycin injection (Nebcin)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to tobramycin or other aminoglycosides such as amikacin (Amikin), gentamicin (Garamycin), kanamycin (Kantrex), neomycin (Mycifradin, Neo-Fradin, Neo-Tab), netilmicin (Netromycin), or streptomycin.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• kidney disease;
• a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis;
• Parkinson's disease;
• asthma; or
• a metabolic disorder such as high or low levels of potassium, calcium, or magnesium in your blood.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use tobramycin.

FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not use tobramycin injection without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication.

Tobramycin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medication.

How should I use tobramycin injection (Nebcin)?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

Tobramycin is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein or as a shot given into a muscle. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to inject your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Drink 6 to 8 full glasses of water each day while you are using tobramycin injection. You may become easily dehydrated while using this medication.

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.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Your hearing and kidney function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using tobramycin injection. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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