TobraDex® ST
(Tobramycin and Dexamethasone Ophthalmic Suspension) 0.3%/0.05%
TobraDex® ST is a combination prescription eye drop used to treat steroid-responsive inflammatory ocular conditions where bacterial infection or the risk of infection is present. This unique formulation combines an antibiotic (tobramycin) with a corticosteroid (dexamethasone) to reduce inflammation and fight bacterial infections, helping to relieve the symptoms associated with conditions like blepharitis and other ocular inflammations.
How TobraDex ST Works
TobraDex ST works in two ways:
Tobramycin: A potent antibiotic that fights bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which are common causes of bacterial eye infections.
Dexamethasone: A corticosteroid that helps reduce inflammation in the eye, relieving swelling, redness, and discomfort associated with conditions like blepharitis.
Combining these two ingredients effectively relieves inflammatory eye conditions while reducing the risk of bacterial infection.
Conditions Treated with TobraDex ST
TobraDex ST is commonly prescribed for:
Blepharitis
Blepharoconjunctivitis
Steroid-responsive inflammatory eye conditions
Corneal injuries from foreign bodies, burns, or chemical damage
For more information about eye conditions and other treatment options, visit our Blepharitis and Eye Conditions pages.
How to Use TobraDex ST
To benefit most from TobraDex ST, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Typically, you should:
Instill one drop into the affected eye every 4 to 6 hours.
During the initial 24 to 48 hours, your doctor may increase the dosage to one drop every 2 hours.
As your symptoms improve, the dosage will be reduced gradually.
Shake the bottle well before each use and avoid touching the dropper tip to any surface to prevent contamination.
Important Safety Information
Increased Intraocular Pressure (IOP): Prolonged use of corticosteroids like dexamethasone can lead to an increase in IOP, which may result in glaucoma and optic nerve damage. IOP should be monitored during treatment.
Contact Lens Use: Do not wear contact lenses while using TobraDex ST. The product contains benzalkonium chloride, which may be absorbed by soft lenses.
Side Effects: The most common side effects include eye pain, eyelid swelling, itching, and redness. If you experience severe side effects or if your symptoms do not improve after 2 days, consult your doctor.
Visit the official TobraDex ST website for more information about the product and patient savings programs.
Alternatives to TobraDex® ST
While TobraDex® ST is a reliable treatment for inflammatory eye conditions with bacterial involvement, other options may be better suited for specific needs. Your doctor may suggest the following alternatives:
Loteprednol Etabonate: A corticosteroid commonly used for treating inflammation in conditions like blepharitis. It provides anti-inflammatory effects with a lower risk of increasing intraocular pressure.
Eysuvis®: An alternative steroid eye drop that treats short-term inflammation associated with dry eye disease, particularly flare-ups caused by environmental triggers. Learn more about Eysuvis here.
Tobramycin Alone: For patients who only need antibiotic treatment, Tobramycin is often prescribed without the addition of a corticosteroid. It can effectively fight bacterial eye infections without the risks associated with long-term steroid use.
For more information on these options and related treatments, visit our Blepharitis and Eye Conditions pages.
