Doctors prescribe Tobradex in either eye drop or eye ointment form. Tobradex consists of a combination of two medications: tobramycin, an antibiotic, and dexamethasone, a corticosteroid that helps reduce inflammation. Typically, patients will use Tobradex to treat infections or injuries to the eye. As with any medication, Tobradex may cause side effects in users. Knowing some of the side effects may help detect a reaction early.
Irritation and Inflammation
Tobradex eye drops or ointments come in direct contact with the surface of the eye. If a person has a reaction to the medication, this contact may cause irritation. The eye may itch or feel painful, explains MayoClinic.com. As well, the eyelids may swell and the white of the eye may turn red in response to the medication. These symptoms may seem similar to the condition that required the patient to use Tobradex, but a reaction will cause a significant increase in irritation and discomfort. If a person has this type of reaction, she should contact the prescribing doctor and explain the symptoms.
Increased Eye Pressure
The inside, front section of the eye contains fluid, called aqueous. The eye constantly makes and drains aqueous, to maintain a balanced, healthy eye pressure. In some patients Tobradex use may increase the eye pressure, says Alcon, the pharmaceutical company that makes Tobradex. High eye pressures do not typically give any noticeable symptoms to the patient, but a doctor may note the increased pressure on a follow up eye examination. A short period of high eye pressure will not usually cause damage to the eye. The doctor may wish to monitor the condition, however, to ensure that the pressures return to normal after the patient stops using Tobradex.
Healing
Some people may need to use Tobradex if they suffered an injury or scratch to the eye. In some cases, the wound may heal slowly, reports Alcon. The patient may not notice this reaction to the medication, but on follow up exams, the eye doctor will note the slow healing wound and possibly recommend alternative treatments.
Systemic Effects
Medications placed in the eye may also affect the rest of the body since the tear ducts drain the solution down the back of the throat and into the stomach. Tobradex, in either drop or ointment form, may cause systemic reactions such difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and swelling around the face, lists Drugs.com. These side effects require immediate medical attention.
Vision
Tobradex use may also cause vision changes in some users, says Alcon. Vision may blur briefly when the patient instills the eye drops. As well, Tobradex ointment will cause significant blurring on use. Vision will remain blurry until the eye absorbs the ointment.
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