Tobramycin Ophthalmic Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 29, 2024.

Applies to tobramycin ophthalmic: ophthalmic ointment, ophthalmic solution.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, tobramycin ophthalmic may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking tobramycin ophthalmic:

Less common side effects

• itching, redness, swelling, or other sign of eye or eyelid irritation not present before use of this medicine

Symptoms of overdose

• increased watering of the eyes
• itching, redness, or swelling of the eyes or eyelids
• painful irritation of the clear front part of the eye

Other side effects

Some side effects of tobramycin ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common side effects

• burning or stinging of the eyes

Eye ointments usually cause your vision to blur for a few minutes after application.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to tobramycin ophthalmic: ophthalmic ointment, ophthalmic solution.

General adverse events

The most frequently reported side effects included localized ocular toxicity and hypersensitivity reactions.^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Conjunctival erythema, eye itching, lacrimation, lid itching, lid swelling, ocular discomfort, ocular hyperemia, punctate keratitis
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Blurred vision, conjunctival disorder, dry eye, eye discharge, eye pain, eye pruritus, eyelid disorder, eyelid edema, eyelid erythema, keratitis, lacrimation increased, visual impairment
• Frequency not reported: Burning of the eyes, eye allergy, eye irritation, eyelid pruritus, stinging of the eyes^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypersensitivity reactions
• Frequency not reported: Anaphylactic reaction^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dermatitis, dry skin, leukoderma, madarosis, pruritus, urticaria
• Frequency not reported: Erythema multiforme, rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Increased systemic toxicity^[Ref]

The risk of systemic toxicity is higher in patients receiving systemic aminoglycosides concurrently; total serum concentration monitoring should be considered in this population.^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Localized ocular toxicity
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Corneal abrasion, foreign body sensation in eyes^[Ref]

Localized ocular toxicity included conjunctival erythema, eye itching, lacrimation, lid itching, lid swelling, ocular hyperemia, and punctate keratitis.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Headache^[Ref]

Further information

Tobramycin ophthalmic side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer