Tobramycin and Dexamethasone Ophthalmic Suspension, USP Sterile

Tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic suspension, USP is a sterile, multiple-dose antibiotic and steroid combination for topical ophthalmic use.

The chemical structures for tobramycin and dexamethasone are presented below:

Tobramycin, USP

Tobramycin, USP is a white to off-white, hygroscopic powder. It is freely soluble in water, very slightly soluble in alcohol, practically insoluble in chloroform and in ether.

Chemical Structure:

Molecular Formula: C₁₈H₃₇N₅O₉
Molecular Weight: 467.51
Chemical Name: O-3-Amino-3-deoxy-α-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-[2,6-diamino-2,3,6-trideoxy-α-D-ribo-hexopyranosyl (1→6)]-2-deoxy-L-streptamine

Dexamethasone, USP

Dexamethasone, USP (Micronised) is a white or practically white crystalline powder.

Chemical Structure:

Molecular Formula: C₂₂H₂₉FO₅
Molecular Weight: 392.46
Chemical Name: 9-Fluoro-11ß,17,21-trihydroxy-16α-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione

Each mL of tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic suspension, USP contains:

Active: tobramycin, USP 0.3% (3 mg) and dexamethasone, USP 0.1% (1 mg).

Preservative: benzalkonium chloride 0.01%.

Inactives: tyloxapol, edetate disodium, sodium chloride, hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium sulfate, sulfuric acid and/or sodium hydroxide (to adjust pH) and  water for injection, USP.

Corticoids suppress the inflammatory response to a variety of agents and they probably delay or slow healing. Since corticoids may inhibit the body's defense mechanism against infection, a concomitant antimicrobial drug may be used when this inhibition is considered to be clinically significant. Dexamethasone is a potent corticoid.

The antibiotic component in the combination (tobramycin) is included to provide action against susceptible organisms. In vitro studies have demonstrated that tobramycin is active against susceptible strains of the following microorganisms:

Staphylococci, including S. aureus and S. epidermidis (coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative), including penicillin-resistant strains.

Streptococci, including some of the Group A-beta-hemolytic species, some nonhemolytic species, and some Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Proteus mirabilis, Morganella morganii, most Proteus vulgaris strains, Haemophilus influenzae and H. aegyptius, Moraxella lacunata, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus and some Neisseria species.

No data are available on the extent of systemic absorption from tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic suspension; however, it is known that some systemic absorption can occur with ocularly applied drugs.

Tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic suspension is indicated for steroid-responsive inflammatory ocular conditions for which a corticosteroid is indicated and where superficial bacterial ocular infection or a risk of bacterial ocular infection exists.

Ocular steroids are indicated in inflammatory conditions of the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, cornea and anterior segment of the globe where the inherent risk of steroid use in certain infective conjunctivitides is accepted to obtain a diminution in edema and inflammation. They are also indicated in chronic anterior uveitis and corneal injury from chemical, radiation or thermal burns, or penetration of foreign bodies.

The use of a combination drug with an anti-infective component is indicated where the risk of superficial ocular infection is high or where there is an expectation that potentially dangerous numbers of bacteria will be present in the eye.

The particular anti-infective drug in this product is active against the following common bacterial eye pathogens:

Staphylococci, including S. aureus and S. epidermidis (coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative), including penicillin-resistant strains.

Streptococci, including some of the Group A-beta-hemolytic species, some nonhemolytic species, and some Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Proteus mirabilis, Morganella morganii, most Proteus vulgaris strains, Haemophilus influenzae and H. aegyptius, Moraxella lacunata, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus and some Neisseria species.

Epithelial herpes simplex keratitis (dendritic keratitis), vaccinia, varicella, and many other viral diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva. Mycobacterial infection of the eye. Fungal diseases of ocular structures. Hypersensitivity to a component of the medication.

FOR TOPICAL OPHTHALMIC USE. NOT FOR INJECTION INTO THE EYE.

Sensitivity to topically applied aminoglycosides may occur in some patients. Severity of hypersensitivity reactions may vary from local effects to generalized reactions, such as erythema, itching, urticaria, skin rash, anaphylaxis, anaphylactoid reactions, or bullous reactions. If a sensitivity reaction does occur, discontinue use.

Prolonged use of steroids may result in glaucoma, with damage to the optic nerve, defects in visual acuity and fields of vision, and posterior subcapsular cataract formation. Intraocular pressure (IOP) should be routinely monitored even though it may be difficult in pediatric patients and uncooperative patients. Prolonged use may suppress the host response and thus increase the hazard of secondary ocular infections. In acute purulent conditions and parasitic infections of the eye, steroids may mask infection or enhance existing infection.

In those diseases causing thinning of the cornea or sclera, perforations have been known to occur with the use of topical steroids.

Adverse reactions have occurred with steroid/anti-infective combination drugs which can be attributed to the steroid component, the anti-infective component, or the combination. Exact incidence figures are not available.

The most frequent adverse reactions to topical ocular tobramycin (tobramycin ophthalmic solution, 0.3%) are hypersensitivity and localized ocular toxicity, including lid itching and swelling, and conjunctival erythema. These reactions occur in less than 4% of patients. The reactions due to the steroid component are: elevation of IOP with possible development of glaucoma, and infrequent optic nerve damage; posterior subcapsular cataract formation; and delayed wound healing.

Secondary Infection

The development of secondary infection has occurred after use of combinations containing steroids and antimicrobials. Fungal infections of the cornea are particularly prone to develop coincidentally with long-term applications of steroids. The possibility of fungal invasion must be considered in any persistent corneal ulceration where steroid treatment has been used. Secondary bacterial ocular infection following suppression of host responses also occurs.

Postmarketing Experience

Additional adverse reactions identified from postmarketing use include anaphylactic reaction, erythema multiforme.

The following additional adverse reactions have been reported with the individual components listed below:

Dexamethasone: Cushing’s syndrome and adrenal suppression may occur after use of dexamethasone in excess of the listed dosing instructions in predisposed patients, including children and patients treated with CYP3A4 inhibitors.

Aminoglycosides: Neurotoxicity, ototoxicity, and nephrotoxicity have occurred in patients receiving systemic aminoglycoside therapy. Aminoglycosides may aggravate muscle weakness in patients with known or suspected neuromuscular disorders, such as myasthenia gravis or Parkinson’s disease, because of their potential effect on neuromuscular function.

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Amneal Pharmaceuticals at 1-877-835-5472 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

One or two drops instilled into the conjunctival sac(s) every four to six hours. During the initial 24 to 48 hours, the dosage may be increased to one or two drops every two (2) hours. Frequency should be decreased gradually as warranted by improvement in clinical signs. Care should be taken not to discontinue therapy prematurely.

Not more than 20 mL should be prescribed initially and the prescription should not be refilled without further evaluation as outlined in PRECAUTIONS above.

Tobramycin and Dexamethasone Ophthalmic Suspension USP, 0.3% and 0.1% is a sterile, white to off-white uniform suspension, essentially free from foreign matter, supplied in 2.5 mL  5 mL or 10 mL  LDPE natural bottle with LDPE natural nozzle and HDPE white cap. Each mL contains tobramycin, USP 0.3% (3 mg) and dexamethasone, USP 0.1% (1 mg).

It is available as follows:

2.5 mL in 5 mL Container:                             NDC 69238-1373-2

5 mL in 5 mL Container:                                NDC 69238-1374-3

10 mL in 10 mL Container:                            NDC 69238-1375-6

Store at 8º to 27ºC (46º to 80ºF).

Store suspension upright and shake well before using.

After opening, tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic suspension can be used until the expiration date on the bottle.

Manufactured by:
Amneal Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.
Parenteral Unit
Ahmedabad 382213, INDIA

Distributed by:
Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC
Bridgewater, NJ 08807

Rev. 05-2021-05

NDC 69238-1373-2
Tobramycin and Dexamethasone Ophthalmic Solution USP, 0.3%/0.1%
Rx Only
2.5 mL
Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC

NDC 69238-1374-3
Tobramycin and Dexamethasone Ophthalmic Solution USP, 0.3%/0.1%
Rx Only
5 mL
Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC

1

NDC 69238-1375-6
Tobramycin and Dexamethasone Ophthalmic Solution USP, 0.3%/0.1%
Rx Only
10 mL
Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC

3

1