Tobradex and Tobrex: uses, effects and price of this medicine

The eyes are one of the most delicate organs in the body. They need to be constantly hydrated to prevent the formation of solid waste such as rheum and infections.

Conjunctivitis is one of the most common diseases that can harm the organs of vision, which is why it is correct maintenance of the eyes is necessary and, in case I know of an infection, treatment is necessary effective.

Among the treatments used to treat eye infections we have Tobradex and Tobrex, two drugs whose active component is tobramycin, which we are going to explain in depth in this article, its uses, effects and its price.

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What are Tobradex and Tobrex?

Tobrex is an antibiotic medication, used for eye infections of bacterial origin. Its main active component is tobramycin, an antibiotic from the aminoglycoside family whose function is to inhibit the protein synthesis of gram-negative bacteria.

Because tobramycin is a potent and fast-acting substance, medications made by base of this compound are widely used in clinical practice to combat infections ophthalmological.

It should be said that one of the problems that can develop in the long run when using both Tobradex and Tobrex is that, due to the adaptability of gram-negative bacteria, they present resistance to tobramycin, making the effect of these drugs less and less over time.

The main difference between Tobradex and Tobrex is their chemical composition. Tobradex is composed of tobramycin with a concentration of 3mg/ml and dexamethasone 1mg/ml. Dexamethasone is a powerful corticosteroid which is what makes Tobradex different from Tobrex since this second medication does not contain it in its composition.

What are they used for?

Tobrex is primarily used to treat conjunctivitis, which is an inflammation of the conjunctiva membrane., which is transparent and covers the eyes and part of the eyelids. The conjunctive membrane is made up of small blood vessels that are what cause the eye to turn red when they become inflamed.

Normally, conjunctivitis is not a major problem other than discomfort in the eyes and its appearance turning reddish, having a favorable evolution. It is rare that it degenerates into vision problems.

The causes of conjunctivitis can be varied, including allergies, pathogens such as mites, dust, pollen and solid remains of cosmetics and makeup. Another cause, which is what products with tobramycin combat, are bacteria that, together with viruses, cause a third of diagnosed conjunctivitis.

Tobradex and Tobrex are indicated for other inflammatory processes (other than conjunctivitis) caused by bacteria.

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Presentation and administration

Tobrex is marketed in the form of eye drops. by Novartis laboratories, in 5 ml vials with a 3 mg/ml concentration of tobramycin. Its administration is directly on the infected eye.

It is also marketed in the form of an ointment., applied to the skin near the affected eye.

Both types of presentations can be administered to children from 12 months of age onwards.

Tobradex is also available as eye drops and ointment. by Novartis Laboratories. In the form of eye drops, it is presented as a combination of 1 mg/ml Dexamethasone and 3 mg/ml Tobramycin in a 5 ml bottle. It is recommended to use the drops every 4 or 6 hours. Tobradex in the form of an ointment can be combined with the eye drops, using the drops during the day and the ointment before going to sleep.

Dosage

For minor problems, one or two drops of Tobrex eye drops are applied to the affected eye, every four hours. If the condition is greater, the recommendation is to apply two drops of eye drops every hour and Do not interrupt the treatment, but extend the applications until you have completed the treatment.

To prevent the infection from spreading further, it is recommended to clean your hands thoroughly before using the eye drops, store it in a cool, clean place and avoid touching other medicines. The drops should fall into the space between the eyeball and the eyelid.

In the case of Tobrex ointment, the recommendation is to apply 1 cubic centimeter of the ointment in the infected eye two or three times a day in case it is mild. If the infection is serious, it is recommended to do it every three or four hours. The cream should fall into the space between the lower eyelid and the diseased eye.

Between the eye drops and the ointment, it should be noted that the second is the one that causes less absorption of tobramycin, since it is applied to the cornea and the conjunctiva, two parts with low capacity of absorption.

Mechanism of action

In the case of Tobradex, being a combination of tobramycin with dexamethasone, its mechanism of action involves the association of a corticosteroid that inhibits the inflammatory response with an aminoglycoside antibiotic of great power and wide spectrum of intervention. These substances act on bacterial cells, inhibiting protein synthesis.

Side effects

Tobrex can cause the main side effects itching, tearing, redness of the eye. Conjunctival and eyelid swelling and tenderness may also occur.

In the case of Tobradex, there may be, in addition to the Tobrex's own effects, conjunctival erythema and glaucoma. If it is used for a long time, there may be an increase in pressure inside the eye, burning, stinging, blurred vision, optic nerve injury, secondary eye infections, and waterfalls.

contraindications

In pregnant and lactating women It is recommended to assess the risk-benefit ratio before starting treatment with tobramycin.

Both in treatments with Tobrex and with Tobradex, it is recommended to avoid the use of contact lenses during the application and wait about 20 minutes before putting them back. It should be noted that since the eye is more sensitive in conjunctivitis and is more vulnerable to other infections, it is recommended to avoid the use of contact lenses.

It is not recommended to operate heavy machinery or drive vehicles after applying the eye drops.

Its use is not recommended if you are suffering from some type of medical condition in which thinning of the cornea and sclera occurs.

Tobrex and Tobradex prices

In Spain, retail prices of tobramycin-based products it is quite affordable.

Tobrex ointment is sold in 3.5 gr tubes, and costs €2.50. In the form of eye drops it costs around €1.81.

Other products with the same active ingredient, such as Tobrabact and Tobrexan, sold as eye drops, have similar prices.

Bibliographic references:

• Palomino, J. & Pachón, J. (2003). aminoglycosides. Infectious Diseases Clinical Microbiology, 21(2): 105-114.
• Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (2005). Summary of product characteristics TOBREX Ophthalmic ointment 3 mg/g ophthalmic ointment. Available in https://www.aemps.gob.es/cima/pdfs//ft/57593/FT_57593.pdf.
• Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products. (2005). TOBREX ophthalmic 3 mg/ml eye drops, solution. Vademecum. Available in https://www.aemps.gob.es/cima/pdfs//p/57594/P_57594.pdf.
• Vademecum (2018). TOBREX Eye drops in solution 3 mg/ml. Vademecum. Available in https://www.vademecum.es/medicamento-tobrex_prospecto_57594.
• Vademecum (2018). TOBRADEX Eye drops in suspension 1 mg/ml + 3 mg/ml. Vademecum. Available in https://www.vademecum.es/equivalencia-lista-tobradex+ung%FCento+oftalmico-chile-s01ca01+p1-cl_1.
• Vademecum (2018). TOBRADEX ophthalmic ointment. Vademecum. Available in https://www.vademecum.es/equivalencia-lista-tobradex+ung%FCento+oftalmico-chile-s01ca01+p1-cl_1.