Tobramycin Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.3%

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.

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.

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 bacterial ocular infection.

Information for Patients: Do not touch dropper tip to any surface, as this may contaminate the solution.

Pregnancy: Reproduction studies in 3 types of animals at doses up to 33 times the normal human systemic dose have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to tobramycin. There are, however, no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Nursing Mothers: Because of the potential for adverse reactions in nursing infants from tobramycin, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing the infant or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 2 months has not been established.

Geriatric Use: No overall clinical differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between the elderly and younger patients.

Postmarketing Experience: Additional adverse reactions identified from postmarketing use include anaphylactic reaction, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and erythema multiforme.

The following additional adverse reactions have been reported with systemic 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.