What side effects are possible with this medication?

A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. A side effect may be mild or severe, temporary or permanent, but does not occur in everyone. Not everyone will experience side effects, and which side effects a person experiences cannot be anticipated.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. If you develop any of these side effects (or any other side effects not listed here) or they change in intensity, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice on managing them and on the risks and benefits of the medication.

• burning or stinging of the eyes
• itching, redness, swelling, or other sign of allergic reaction or eye irritation not present before use of this medication

Click here to learn about serious side effects that can potentially occur with any medication. These examples are provided for information purposes only and are not meant to be exhaustive. Always consult your doctor for sound medical advice specific to your particular medication and treatment.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?

Be sure to inform your doctor of all your medical conditions before you begin taking a medication. Some conditions can affect how you should take this medication.

Allergy: Sensitivity to skin-applied aminoglycosides (a group of antibiotics that are effective against certain types of bacteria) such as tobramycin may occur for some people. If a sensitivity or allergic reaction occurs, stop using the medication and call your doctor.

Contact lens: You should not wear contact lenses if you have an eye infection.

Overgrowth of organisms: Prolonged use of this medication may result in overgrowth of organisms, including fungi that aren't killed by the antibiotic. If your condition worsens or does not improve in the expected amount of time, call your doctor.

Pregnancy: The safety of this drug for use during pregnancy has not been established. This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Because of the potential for adverse reactions in nursing infants from tobramycin, a decision should be made to either stop nursing or stop using the medication, taking into account the importance of the medication to the mother.

Children: The efficacy and safety of this drug for children younger than 2 months has not been established.

What other drugs could interact with this medication?

An interaction between medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications, as well as any supplements that you are taking. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your doctor know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want to change your therapy or may suggest ways of managing any interactions.