Tobradex eye ointment is a medication consisting of an antimicrobial substance and an anti-inflammatory component. The advantage of the medication is its special effectiveness, safety and the possibility of using by patients with an allergic reaction to the usual traditional corticosteroid drugs. The scope of the ointment is the prevention of the infectious process and inflammation after surgery in the eyes.
What does the drug consist of
Ophthalmic ointment "Tobradex" is a combined drug, which is based on two main components: tobramycin and dexamethasone, which are dissolved in the basis of liquid paraffin.
Tobramycin has a powerful antimicrobial effect. It exhibits increased activity against salmonella, gram-negative bacteria and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The effectiveness of the ointment against some other pathogenic microorganisms having a bacteriological nature is proved. Gram-positive microbes are influenced, but only partially inhibits their growth and development. Not effective against viral infections and fungal diseases. If it is necessary to combine a drug based on tobramycin with other antimicrobials, it is important that they also have a paraffin base.
Dexamethasone is an anti-inflammatory substance that belongs to the category of glucocorticosteroids. The effect is based on the regulation of the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins inside the cells, which prevents the development of an allergic reaction. The local susceptibility to irritating histamines, which are characteristic of the pathogenic reaction of the body to the stimulus, is reduced.
For 1 g of ointment, 3 mg of tobramycin and 1 mg of dexamethasone are necessary. It is believed that this concentration is quite low, so the drug is safe when used as directed.
When the appointment is shown
For the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the organ of vision, the ointment "Toradex" is intended. The description of the medication is as follows:
- the product can be either white in color or almost colorless;
- It is delivered in small tubes placed in cardboard packaging.
Indications for use are a high risk of infection, or the treatment of inflammatory eye diseases. Often, experts use the drug after surgery to speed up the healing process, the onset of the inflammatory process and to prevent the development of an infection of the operated area.
Often the eye ointment "Tobradex" is used after cataract removal, with various eye injuries, including mechanical. Of course, the drug is only part of a comprehensive treatment and cannot replace other prescribed drugs. After surgical operations, in addition to the ointment in question, other medications that have a less narrow spectrum of exposure and are more effective can be recommended.
Eye ointment "Toradex": description and instructions
The drug basically contains tobramycin, which is highly active, therefore, against the background of the use of the patient, various side effects may occur. In addition, the medicine often provokes an exacerbation of other eye pathologies that the patient has. In this regard, the course of treatment and dosage should always be prescribed by a doctor. Usually, the duration of therapy is about a week.
Must be applied to problem areas "Tobradex". Eye ointment in the instructions for use contains the following recommendations:
- the frequency of application is 3-4 times per day;
- Do not double the recommended dosage, even if the patient for some reason missed the next application;
- the ointment should be placed in the conjunctival sac using a strip of the product no more than 15 mm (it is forbidden to rub the product);
- if the patient has contact lenses, it is important to remove them at the time of the procedure;
- if the doctor prescribes several drugs for treatment at the same time, it is necessary to observe a time period of at least one hour.
The composition of the ointment includes a powerful antibiotic that belongs to the group of aminoglycosides. Used in high concentrations, it can inhibit the spread of organs and systems of infection. If the concentration is low, then only a bacteriostatic effect occurs. Tobradex eye ointment contains a substance (tobramycin) in a relatively high concentration, so it is important to always be careful during treatment.
The effect of the drug on the body
The active components are especially active against gram-negative microorganisms. However, the effectiveness of the ointment against streptococcal infection, staphylococci, acinetobacteria and enterobacteria has been proven. At the same time, dexamethasone included in the composition blocks the development of an allergic reaction, regulating the absorption of carbohydrates and proteins at the intracellular level.
There is not enough data on the penetration of the active substances of the ointment into the bloodstream, if applied only topically to the mucous membrane of the eye "Toradex" (eye ointment). The instructions confirm that most of the components are excreted by the kidneys along with urine. Depending on the nature of the inflammatory process, the decay time varies, which averages from 4 to 9 hours.
Typical contraindications
Eye ointment "Tobradex", photo below, has a specific scope of use. It has a fairly powerful action associated with the components. It is the main ingredients that impose a certain ban on the use of this medication. The drug is not prescribed:
- Children under 12 years old.
- If a viral infection or fungal pathology is detected. Local microflora is quickly destroyed, no effect is detected.
- During pregnancy and lactation. It is known that clinical trials involving humans have not been conducted. However, there is evidence of the effect of ointment on the body of animals. The powerful effect of the active components is affected, which leads to severe intoxication and spontaneous abortion. There are also birth risks with various deviations.
As a rule, ointment does not provoke an allergic reaction, however, in rare cases, a similar situation may occur.
Are side effects possible?
Side effects are extremely rare when using Tobradex Ointment. Side effects may concern only a small number of patients and due to personal intolerance or neglect of specialist advice. Undesirable symptoms include:
- itching and burning;
- local allergic reactions;
- conjunctival hyperemia.
Doctors warn, even if such phenomena occur, they are not yet a reason for the cancellation of the medication. However, it is always important to inform the doctor of all the unpleasant sensations during therapy. Often, an allergy is caused by the antibiotic that is part of the ointment, so a specialist can choose a similar replacement with another substance. In the pharmaceutical market, there are multiple drugs that are based on the action of dexamethasone, but combined with another antimicrobial substance.
How can I replace the medicine
Analogs of the eye ointment "Tobradex" exist, and all of them are actively used in ophthalmology. However, any drug can only conditionally be an equivalent replacement, because the composition is based on only one main component - dexamethasone. The remaining substances vary and can be used for various purposes. Among the most common medications that are popular are:
- Wizmed
- Tobrex;
- Phloxal, which is available in drop format;
- "Stillavit";
- Zovirax.
Of course, only a doctor can prescribe any medicine. An analogue may be required for an allergic reaction, intolerance, or other indications.
Features of the release form
The drug is made in the form of an ointment, but there are also eye drops. Moreover, the dosage of the active components in both cases is identical. The tube does not have a special dispenser. But for comfortable use, a tapered tip is provided.
Overdose cases
Doctors say overdose is unlikely. However, with abundant laying of the ointment, the risk of adverse reactions increases many times. If you follow all the recommendations of a doctor, then you can avoid unpleasant consequences.
The manufacturer also claims that even conditionally it is impossible to consider as a case of overdose a random (or intentional) increase in a single dose by 2-3 times. But in this case, allergic reactions intensify and complications of concomitant eye diseases are possible.
Precautions
The drug actively fights pathogenic microflora, but it is forbidden to lay ointment for more than a week. Such actions will lead to the resistance of bacteria to the antibiotic used.
It is forbidden to use the drug in pediatric practice. For the treatment of small patients, the medication is not used, due to the powerful components that enter into it, which can negatively affect a non-childish body.
If the medicine has expired, then it must be disposed of. You can not continue to use it, because tobramycin tends to decompose into component derivatives.
Drug Reviews
Reviews about the eye ointment "Tobradex" are mostly positive. Against the background of treatment, the inflammatory process quickly passes. If a drug is prescribed after surgery, the risks of infection are sharply reduced.
Side effects are known to rarely concern patients. However, some may complain of slight itching, redness, and sore eyes. Such a reaction is considered the action of active substances and takes place independently. However, sometimes individual intolerance may occur. In any case, the question of replacing the medicine should be decided jointly with the doctor.
conclusions
"Tobradex" is an eye ointment that is designed to destroy and prevent infectious damage to the mucous organ of vision. It is often prescribed for the inflammatory process or as a prophylaxis after surgery.
The recommended course of treatment should not be exceeded for more than seven days, because the result will not get better, and pathogenic microorganisms will only strengthen their immunity. Contraindications must be taken into account. In the presence of individual intolerance and in childhood it is important to choose the appropriate analogue.