Drug
Tobramycin Sulfate
Pronounced
"TOE-bra-MYE-sin"
Uses
This medication is used to treat people with 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 works by stopping the growth of bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, that commonly infect 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 and instruction sheet if available from your pharmacist before you start using tobramycin and each time you get a refill. Learn how to use the inhaler properly. Children may need help from an adult to use this medication properly. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not swallow these capsules by mouth. Use the special inhaler to inhale the powder in the capsules. Inhale this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily (12 hours apart). Each dose is usually 4 of the 28-milligram capsules. Inhale 2 times per capsule to make sure you inhale all of the drug. Do not breathe out into the mouthpiece at any time. Each dose takes approximately 2 to 6 minutes.
Inhaled tobramycin is usually given for 28 days, followed by a 28-day break when you do not inhale any tobramycin. Then if directed by your doctor, you may start another 28-day course of inhaled tobramycin. Do not use this medication for more than 28 days at a time. Keep track of the days that you use this medication.
After each dose, wipe the mouthpiece with a clean, dry cloth. The inhaler should never be washed with water. Keep it dry and store it in its case. Use a new inhaler every week.
Do not inhale any other medications at the same time you inhale tobramycin. If you are taking other inhaled medications or doing chest physiotherapy, your doctor will let you know which order you should receive your treatments. Inhaled tobramycin should always be the last treatment.
If you are using a quick-relief inhaler (such as salbutamol, albuterol), you should inhale it 15 to 90 minutes before inhaling tobramycin. This will help you inhale and absorb the tobramycin.
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 use 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 get better or if it gets worse.