Toba Eye Drops (Tobramycin)

When antimicrobial treatment is used

Toba is a fast-acting antibiotic widely used in current clinical practice. It comes as an eye drop solution and is for external use only.

Tobramycin 3 mg/mL is the water-soluble active ingredient. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that works against many gram-negative bacteria and, less often, gram-positive bacteria.

These antibiotic eye drops are used to treat infections affecting the surface of the eye and other parts of the eye.

How it works

Toba drops create an effective concentration of the medicine at the site of inflammation, on the surface of the eye. After use, the antibiotic acts directly on the bacteria causing the infection.

Toba has a bactericidal effect. It binds to bacterial ribosomes and interferes with protein synthesis. When bacteria are exposed to the medicine, one of the following happens:

• Ribosomes produce faulty bacterial proteins.
• Protein synthesis is blocked.

The bacteria exposed to the antibiotic die. Ongoing treatment with the drops helps clear bacteria that were not exposed to the medicine at first.

Dosage guide

Hold the open bottle upside down above the eye to dispense even-sized drops. There is no need to squeeze the sides of the bottle. To release one drop, simply tap or press the bottom of the bottle.

The dosage regimen for Toba eye drops in mild to moderate eye infections:

• Recommended dose range: 1-2 drops
• Dosing frequency: every 4 hours

Dosage regimen in severe eye infections:

• Optimal single dose: 2 drops
• Dosing frequency: every hour

If you need to use different types of eye medicines, use them at least 5-15 minutes apart.

Treatment length depends on how the condition progresses. In Australian clinical practice, the doctor decides the duration of treatment based on objective findings, including the possible risk of side effects, the severity of symptoms, and how well the medicine is working.

Use the full course of treatment exactly as prescribed by your Australian doctor, even if your symptoms improve or go away. All the microorganisms causing the infection need to be cleared.

Possible side effects of Toba

This medicine has a bactericidal effect, as shown in clinical studies. As well as its intended effect, Toba can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Possible side effects include:

• temporary blurred vision
• a feeling that something is in the eye
• increased tearing
• eye irritation
• swollen eyelids
• redness of the sclera (the white part of the eye)

Most side effects are mild, happen early in treatment, and settle with time.

Eye treatment can cause allergic reactions in some people. Do not use Toba if you are allergic to:

• any medicine containing tobramycin;
• any of the inactive ingredients in Toba.

If signs of a severe reaction or allergy appear during treatment, stop using it. If you notice a rash on your face or anywhere else on your body, speak to your doctor for further advice.

How to put the drops in

To get the best results, use the drops correctly. An Australian ophthalmologist or pharmacist can give advice for your specific situation. Read the Australian patient leaflet before you start treatment.

In most cases, the correct technique is:

• Wash your hands with soap and water, then dry them with a clean towel.
• Warm the bottle in your hands if the solution is cold.
• If you wear contact lenses, remove them. It is not recommended to wear contact lenses during a bacterial eye infection.
• Unscrew the cap from the bottle.
• Lie down or sit in front of a mirror, or sit comfortably in a chair.
• Tilt your head back.
• Hold the bottle upside down about 2-3 cm above the eye, taking care not to touch the eyelashes, eyelids or eye.
• Pull down the lower eyelid with one or two fingers.
• Tap or press the base of the bottle so the drop goes into the eye, closer to the outer corner.
• Close your eyes and wait a few minutes.
• Repeat for the other eye if advised.
• Close the bottle and follow the storage instructions.

Toba eye drops for babies

Data on treatment in infants under 12 months of age are limited. Toba 0.3% eye drops can be used in children aged 1 year and over at the same dose as adults.

Young children may be frightened by unfamiliar procedures. To reduce distress, stay calm, act quickly, and prepare in advance.

Additional recommendations:

• If stored in the refrigerator, warm the bottle in your palms or place it in warm, clean water before use.
• Children under 6-7 years of age should be laid on a flat surface.
• Make sure the child is calm. Avoid putting the drops in if the child is resisting or crying.
• When pulling down the lower eyelid, do not touch the surface of the eye.
• After putting in Toba, hold the eyelid for a few seconds to let the liquid spread.
• Some of the medicine may leak out; with the right technique, the correct amount still gets into the eye.
• If the child closed the eye and the solution did not go in, repeat the procedure.
• Do not let the solution enter the nose.
• Wipe away any leaked medicine with a clean cotton pad.
• Keep the child lying down for a few minutes.
• Stop the child from rubbing their eyes straight after use.

Important information you should know

While using Toba, it is best to stop wearing contact lenses for a while. This is a general recommendation rather than a strict contraindication. Avoid wearing lenses during inflammatory eye conditions.

Toba contains substances that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses, which may cause deterioration and discolouration.

If you continue to wear lenses, remove them before putting the drops in and wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back in.

Keep everything clean during use and avoid contaminating the dropper tip. Never share eye drops with anyone else.

Cold eye drops can feel uncomfortable, so warm the bottle in your hands before use.

Driving

This medicine is not usually expected to affect activities that require alertness. However, temporary blurred vision may happen after putting the drops in. Wait until your vision is clear before driving, using tools, operating machinery, or doing anything hazardous.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Although absorption into the body is negligible, Toba should only be used during pregnancy when clearly needed.

Using Toba while breastfeeding is not recommended.

Exposure in infants is not expected, but risk cannot be completely ruled out. Your Australian doctor should decide whether breastfeeding should be stopped during treatment, taking into account the benefits for both mother and baby.

Storage

When you are not using the drops, keep the bottle tightly closed and store it according to the leaflet.

Sunlight and high temperatures can break down the ingredients. A humid environment can encourage microbial growth on the bottle.

The recommended storage temperature is up to 25°C. This medicine can be kept in the refrigerator, but it should not be frozen.

Toba sterile solution should be clear or slightly yellowish. Do not use it if the colour has changed.