Tobramycin (Tobramycin)
Overview of Tobramycin
Tobramycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic derived from a complex produced by Streptomyces tenebrarius. The aminoglycosides are the compound containing characteristic amino sugars joined to a hexose nucleus in glycoside linkage. Aminoglycosides are polycations and their polarity accounts for their pharmakokinetic peopertie. Tobramycin is effective against a wide range of aerobic gram negative bacilli and some gram positive bacteria. Tobramycin is used in the treatment of septicemia caused by gram -ve organism, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, CNS infection. Tobramycin is given topically as eye drops to treat Pseudomonas eye infections. Antibiotics require constant drug level in body for therapeutic effect. This is achieved by taking the medication at regular intervel of time throughout the day and night as prescribed. Tobramycin is important to take the drug for the full time period as prescribed. If you discontinue the therapy, it may result in ineffective treatment.
Indication of Tobramycin
Tobramycin is primarily indicated in conditions like Bacterial infections, Biliary tract infections, Chronic pulmonary pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in cystic fibrosis patients, Cystic fibrosis, Endocarditis, Eye infections, Gram +ve (some) and gram -ve (many) infections, Heart failure, Iron deficiency anaemia, NSAID-associated ulceration, Oliguria due to renal failure, Pneumonia in hospital patients, Prohylaxis of stress ulceration, Respiratory tract infections, Septicaemia, Supraventricular arrhythmias (particularly atrial fibrillation), Symptoms associated with carcinoid tumours, Trauma, Ulcerative colitis and crohn's disease, Urinary tract infection, UTI.
Contraindication of Tobramycin
Tobramycin is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity.
Side Effects of Tobramycin
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Tobramycin, which give rise to further complications include Ototoxicity, Elevation in serum creatinine, Neuromuscular blockage.,Tobramycin produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Nephrotoxicity, Dehydration, Proteinuria, Oliguria, Hyperuricemia. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Tobramycin therapy.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Tobramycin are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Skin reactions, Maculopapular rash, Urticaria, Local pain, Phlebitis.
Precautions of Tobramycin
Tobramycin should be used with caution in patients with history of kidney diseases, vertigo, hearing loss, myasthenia gravis, parkinsonisms. It should be used with caution in patients who are sensitive to aminoglycosides. Perform monthly blood counts test for atleast 4 months. Keep patients well hydrated to prevent chemical irritation or nephrotoxic reactions. Take appropriate measures in case of secondary infections.