Tobrex 0.3% Eye Drop

Tobrex 0.3% Eye Drop contains tobramycin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections of the eye and its surrounding structures, such as bacterial conjunctivitis (commonly known as pink eye), keratitis, and other superficial eye infections caused by susceptible bacteria. It works directly on the surface of the eye to clear the infection, helping to reduce redness, discharge, irritation and the risk of the infection spreading or worsening if left untreated.

Because it is an antibiotic that requires a doctor to first confirm the infection is bacterial (rather than viral or allergic, which would not respond to Tobrex) and to rule out other serious eye conditions, Tobrex 0.3% Eye Drop is classified as a prescription medicine in Malaysia. It is dispensed only after an online consultation through DoctorOnCall, where a doctor assesses your symptoms and eye examination findings, or reviews photos/history as appropriate, before prescribing the correct course.

Tobramycin works by binding to bacterial ribosomes, disrupting protein synthesis in a way that is typically bactericidal (kills the bacteria) against many common eye pathogens, including several gram-negative and some gram-positive organisms. Applied directly to the eye, it reaches high local concentrations on the ocular surface, allowing it to act quickly on the infection while minimising absorption into the rest of the body.

Wash your hands before use, tilt your head back, and gently pull down the lower eyelid to form a small pocket, then instil the prescribed number of drops into the eye without letting the dropper tip touch the eye, eyelashes, or any other surface, to avoid contaminating the bottle. Close the eye gently for a minute or two after instilling the drop, and apply light pressure at the inner corner of the eye (near the nose) if advised, to reduce systemic absorption. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before use unless your doctor advises otherwise, and wait as instructed before reinserting them.

For mild to moderate bacterial eye infections, one to two drops are typically instilled into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours, though your doctor may prescribe more frequent dosing for severe infections, especially in the first 1 to 2 days. Continue using the drops for the full course prescribed, even if symptoms improve within a few days, to reduce the risk of the infection returning or antibiotic resistance developing.

Unopened, Tobrex 0.3% Eye Drop is generally stable for up to 2 to 3 years from the date of manufacture; however, once opened, eye drops are typically only usable for a limited period (commonly around 4 weeks) due to the risk of contamination, so always check the expiry date and any in-use period stated on the packaging or by your pharmacist.

Store Tobrex 0.3% Eye Drop below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and keep the bottle tightly closed between uses. Keep out of reach and sight of children, and discard any unused portion after the recommended in-use period once opened.

• Temporary stinging, burning or a foreign-body sensation immediately after applying the drop
• Mild eyelid itching, redness or swelling
• Blurred vision for a short time immediately after instillation
• Allergic reactions such as significant eyelid swelling, rash, or worsening redness (uncommon but require medical attention)
• Increased sensitivity of the eye to light
• Superinfection with prolonged use, including fungal overgrowth, if used for longer than prescribed

• Known hypersensitivity to tobramycin, other aminoglycoside antibiotics, or any ingredient in the eye drop
• Viral eye infections (such as herpes simplex keratitis) or fungal eye infections, which will not respond to and may be worsened by an antibiotic-only product
• Undiagnosed red eye, eye pain, or vision changes that have not first been assessed by a doctor
• Use as a substitute for proper medical assessment of a painful, injured, or rapidly worsening eye

• Using Tobrex together with other eye drops should be spaced at least 5 to 10 minutes apart to avoid one drop washing out the other
• Concurrent use of other topical eye medicines containing similar antibiotics should be discussed with your doctor to avoid unnecessary duplication
• Systemic absorption from eye drops is generally low, so significant interactions with oral medicines are uncommon, but you should still inform your doctor of all medicines you use
• Avoid wearing contact lenses during treatment unless your doctor specifically advises it is safe to do so

• Complete the full prescribed course even if your eye feels better after a few days
• Avoid letting the dropper tip touch your eye or any surface to prevent contaminating the bottle
• Wash your hands before and after applying the drops, and avoid touching or rubbing the eye afterward
• Remove contact lenses before use unless your doctor says it is safe to wear them
• Do not share your eye drops with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms
• Seek prompt medical review if pain, vision changes, or redness worsen despite treatment

A confirmed diagnosis matters with Tobrex, since bacterial, viral and allergic conjunctivitis can look similar but need different treatments, and using an antibiotic drop for a non-bacterial cause will not help and may delay proper treatment. If symptoms do not start to improve within 2 to 3 days of starting Tobrex, or if vision is affected, pain is significant, or there is a history of eye surgery, contact lens-related infection, or immune suppression, follow-up with your prescribing doctor through DoctorOnCall is recommended promptly rather than continuing the same course unchanged.