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

Tobradex and Tobrex are drugs used to treat eye infections. Let's see what they look like.

The eyes are among the most delicate organs in the body. They need constant hydration to prevent the formation of solid debris such as eye gunk and infections.

Conjunctivitis is one of the most common diseases that can damage the organs of vision, so proper eye maintenance is necessary and, in case I know of an infection, effective treatment is required.

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

What are Tobradex and Tobrex?

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

Because tobramycin is a potent and fast-acting substance, drugs based on this compound are widely used in clinical practice to combat ophthalmologic infections.

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 adaptive capacity of gram-negative bacteria, they may develop resistance to tobramycin, making the effect of these drugs less effective.The main difference between Tobradex and Tobrex is that the effect of these drugs becomes less and less effective 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 potent corticosteroid which is what makes Tobradex different from Tobrex since the latter does not contain it in its composition.

What are they used for?

Tobrex is mainly used to treat conjunctivitis, which is an inflammation of the conjunctival membrane, which is transparent and covers the conjunctiva.The conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctival membrane, which is transparent and covers the eyes and part of the eyelids. The conjunctival membrane is composed of small blood vessels that cause the eye to become red when inflamed.

Normally, conjunctivitis is not a major problem other than discomfort in the eyes and a reddish appearance, with a favorable evolution. It is rare for it to degenerate into vision problems.

The causes of conjunctivitis can be varied and include allergies, pathogens such as dust mites, dust, pollen and solid remains of cosmetics and make-up. Another cause, which is combated by tobramycin products, is bacteria which, together with viruses, cause one third of the diagnosed conjunctivitis.

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

Presentation and administration

Tobrex is commercialized in the form of eye drops by Novartis laboratories, in 5 ml vials with 3 mg/ml concentration of tobramycin. It is administered directly on the infected eye.

It is also marketed as an ointmentIt is also marketed as an ointment, applied on the skin near the affected eye.

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

Tobradex is also marketed in the form of eye drops and ointment by Novartis Laboratories. by Novartis Laboratories. In eye drop form 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 to 6 hours. Tobradex in ointment form can be combined with the eye drops, the drops being used during the day and the ointment before bedtime.

Dosage

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

To avoid further infection, it is recommended to clean your hands thoroughly before using the eye drops, store them in a cool, clean place and avoid touching them with other medicines. The drops should fall in 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 of a mild infection. If the infection is severe, it is recommended to do it every three or four hours. The cream should be applied in the space between the lower eyelid and the diseased eye.

Between the eye drops and the ointment, it should be noted that the latter is the one that causes a lower absorption of tobramycin, since it is applied on the cornea and the conjunctival membrane, two parts with low absorption capacity.

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 high potency and broad spectrum of aminoglycoside antibiotic of great potency and broad spectrum of intervention. These substances act on bacterial cells, inhibiting protein synthesis.

Side effects

The main side effects of Tobrex may be the following itching, tearing, reddening of the eye.. Swelling of the conjunctiva and eyelid and hypersensitivity may also occur.

In the case of Tobradex, in addition to the effects of Tobrex itself, there may be conjunctival erythema and glaucoma.. In case of prolonged use, increased pressure inside the eye, burning, stinging, blurred vision, optic nerve damage, secondary eye infections and cataracts may occur.

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 Tobradex it is recommended to avoid the use of contact lenses during the application and to wait about 20 minutes before putting them back in. It should be noted that due to the fact that in conjunctivitis the eye is more sensitive and 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.

It is not recommended for use in case you are suffering from any medical condition in which there is thinning of the cornea and sclera.

Prices of Tobrex and Tobradex

In Spain, the retail price of tobramycin-based products is quite affordable. is quite affordable.

Tobrex ointment is marketed in tubes of 3.5 g, and costs 2.50 €. In the form of eye drops, it costs about €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. Enfermedades Infecciosas Microbiología Clínica, 21(2): 105-114.
• Spanish Agency of Medicines and Health Products (2005). Summary of product characteristics of TOBREX Ungüento oftalmico 3 mg/g pomada oftálmica. Available at https://www.aemps.gob.es/cima/pdfs//ft/57593/FT_57593.pdf.
• Spanish Agency of Medicines and Health Products. (2005). TOBREX oftalmico 3 mg/ml eye drops solution. Vademecum. Available at https://www.aemps.gob.es/cima/pdfs//p/57594/P_57594.pdf.
• Vademecum (2018). TOBREX ophthalmic eye drops 3 mg/ml solution. Vademecum. Available at https://www.vademecum.es/medicamento-tobrex_prospecto_57594.
• Vademecum (2018). TOBRADEX Suspension eye drops 1 mg/ml + 3 mg/ml. Vademecum. Available at https://www.vademecum.es/equivalencia-lista-tobradex+ung%FCento+oftalmico-chile-s01ca01+p1-cl_1.
• Vademecum (2018). TOBRADEX ophthalmic ointment. Vademecum. Available at https://www.vademecum.es/equivalencia-lista-tobradex+ung%ung%FCento+oftalmico-chile-s01ca01+p1-cl_1.