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Tobramycin

Pronounced

"toe-bruh-MY-sin"

Common brand names:

Tobi

Uses

This medication is used to treat people with a certain inherited condition (cystic fibrosis) who have an ongoing lung infection with a certain bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa). People with cystic fibrosis produce thick, sticky mucus that can plug up the tubes, ducts and passageways in the lungs. This can result in serious breathing problems and infections in the lungs.

Tobramycin belongs to a class of drugs known as aminoglycoside antibiotics. Tobramycin inhalation solution works by stopping the growth of a certain bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) that commonly infects the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis. This effect decreases lung infections and damage, and helps to improve breathing.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. This medication is used with a special machine called a nebulizer that changes the solution to a fine mist that you inhale. Learn and follow all instructions for the use of this medication and the nebulizer. Children may need help from an adult to use this medication properly. If you have any questions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist.

Use this medication with the nebulizer as directed by your doctor, usually every 12 hours. Each treatment lasts about 15 minutes. This medicine is usually used for 28 days in a row, followed by 28 days without this medication, repeating the cycle until your doctor directs you to stop.

Each ampule of tobramycin is for one-time use. Inspect each ampule before use. Normal solution is slightly yellow and may darken with age. Discard the ampule if the solution is cloudy or has particles in it, or if it has expired or has been stored at room temperature for longer than 28 days. Use all of the contents of the ampule for each dose. Do not mix tobramycin with any other medicines in the nebulizer.

For the best effect, use this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, use this medication at the same time(s) every day.

Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2025.