TOBREX ® (tobramycin ophthalmic ointment) 0.3%

TOBREX^® (tobramycin ophthalmic ointment) 0.3% is a sterile topical ophthalmic antibiotic formulation prepared specifically for topical therapy of external ophthalmic infections.

Each gram of TOBREX (tobramycin ophthalmic ointment) 0.3% contains: Active: tobramycin 0.3% (3 mg). Preservative: chlorobutanol 0.5%. Inactives: mineral oil, white petrolatum.

Tobramycin is a water-soluble aminoglycoside antibiotic active against a wide variety of gram-negative and gram-positive ophthalmic pathogens.

The chemical structure of tobramycin is:

Molecular Formula:

C₁₈H₃₇N₅O₉

Molecular Weight: 467.52 g/mol

Chemical Name:

0-{3-amino-3-deoxy-α-D-gluco-pyranosyl-(1→4) }-0-{2,6-diamino-2,3,6-trideoxy-α-D-ribohexo-pyranosyl-(1→6) }-2-deoxystreptamine.

In Vitro Data: In vitro studies have demonstrated 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. Bacterial susceptibility studies demonstrate that in some cases, microorganisms resistant to gentamicin retain susceptibility to tobramycin.

TOBREX^® (tobramycin ophthalmic ointment) 0.3 % is a topical antibiotic indicated in the treatment of external infections of the eye and its adnexa caused by susceptible bacteria. Appropriate monitoring of bacterial response to topical antibiotic therapy should accompany the use of TOBREX (tobramycin ophthalmic ointment) 0.3%. Clinical studies have shown tobramycin to be safe and effective for use in children.

TOBREX (tobramycin ophthalmic ointment) 0.3 % is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of its components.

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 to TOBREX (tobramycin ophthalmic ointment) 0.3% occurs, discontinue use.

General: As with other antibiotic preparations, prolonged use may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi. If superinfection occurs, appropriate therapy should be initiated. Ophthalmic ointments may retard corneal wound healing.

Cross-sensitivity to other aminoglycoside antibiotics may occur; if hypersensitivity develops with this product, discontinue use and institute appropriate therapy.

Patients should be advised not to wear contact lenses if they have signs and symptoms of ocular infections.

ADVERSE REACTIONS: The most frequent adverse reactions to TOBREX (tobramycin ophthalmic ointment) 0.3% are hypersensitivity and localized ocular toxicity, including lid itching and swelling, and conjunctival erythema. These reactions occur in less than three of 100 patients treated with TOBREX^® (tobramycin ophthalmic ointment) 0.3%.

In mild to moderate disease, apply a half-inch ribbon into the affected eye(s) 2 or 3 times per day. In severe infections, instill a half-inch ribbon into the affected eye(s) every 3 to 4 hours until improvement, following which treatment should be reduced prior to discontinuation.

How to Apply TOBREX (tobramycin ophthalmic ointment) 0.3%:

1. Tilt your head back.

2. Place a finger on your cheek just under your eye and gently pull down until a ''V'' pocket is formed between your eyeball and your lower lid.

3. Place a small amount (about ½ inch) of TOBREX^® (tobramycin ophthalmic ointment) 0.3% in the ''V'' pocket. Do not let the tip of the tube touch your eye.

4. Look downward before closing your eye.

TOBREX (tobramycin ophthalmic ointment) 0.3% is supplied as a 3.5 g sterile ointment in an aluminum tube with a white polyethylene tip and white polyethylene cap as follows:

3.5 g containing tobramycin 0.3% (3 mg/g).................................................. NDC 0078-0813-01

Storage: Store at 2°C to 25°C (36°F to 77°F).

After opening, TOBREX (tobramycin ophthalmic ointment) 0.3% can be used until the expiration date on the tube.

Distributed by:
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
East Hanover, New Jersey 07936

© Novartis

Revised: June 2021

T2021-76

NDC 0078-0813-01

Tobrex^®

(tobramycin ophthalmic
ointment) 0.3%

Sterile 3.5 g Net Wt.

NOVARTIS