Products
Tobramycin is commercially available as a solution for injection, solution for inhalation, and in the form of eye drops, eye gel, and eye ointment. This article refers to the solution for injection (Obracin), which has been approved in many countries since 1974. See also tobramycin inhalation and tobramycin eye drops.
Structure and properties
Tobramycin (C18H37N5O9, Mr = 467.51 g/mol) is obtained from or can be prepared by other methods. It exists as a white powder that is readily soluble in water. In the solution for injection, it is present as tobramycin sulfate.
Effects
Tobramycin (ATC J01GB01) has bacericidal properties, especially against Gram-negative pathogens such as . The effects are based on inhibition of bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S subunit of ribosomes. The antibiotic is practically not metabolized in the body and is excreted unchanged in the urine.
Indications
For the treatment of bacterial infectious diseases with susceptible pathogens. Tobramycin is used for infections of the urinary tract, respiratory tract, skin, bone, soft tissues, digestive tract, and central nervous system, among others.
Dosage
According to the SmPC. The solution for injection is usually administered as an intravenous infusion.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Myasthenia gravis
Combination with oto- and/or nephrotoxic drugs should be avoided. Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Adverse effects
The most common potential adverse effects include renal dysfunction (nephrotoxicity), cochlear and vestibular injury (ototoxicity), thrombophlebitis, pain and local reactions at the injection site, and elevated liver enzyme levels.
