Tobradex ST Ophthalmic Solution

How to Give Your Pet Eye Drops (Ophthalmic Solutions)

Eye drops are liquid medications used to treat your pet’s eye conditions. They’re clear, gentle, and effective with the right technique. With a bit of practice, you and your pet will get the hang of it!

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Wash Your Hands: Start clean to avoid germs.
2. Get Your Pet Comfortable: Sit your dog or wrap your cat in a towel (“kitty burrito”) to keep them still. A helper can gently steady the head.
3. Clean the Eye (if needed): Use a damp cotton ball or gauze to gently wipe any discharge.
4. Position the Bottle: Hold the bottle in your dominant hand. Use the other hand to tilt your pet’s head and gently pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
5. Apply the Drops: Hold the bottle close (but not touching the eye) and squeeze in the prescribed number of drops. Aim for the center of the eye or into the pocket.
6. Let Your Pet Blink: Blinking helps spread the medication. Gently blot away excess drops.
7. Repeat for the Other Eye (if needed): Use the same care and steps.
8. Prevent Rubbing: Hold your pet briefly to stop rubbing. Offer gentle praise or a treat!
9. Multiple Eye Meds?: Wait 5–10 minutes between different meds. Use watery drops before thicker ointments, unless told otherwise.
10. Store Properly: Recap the bottle and store it as directed (usually at room temp).

Tobradex ST combines tobramycin, an aminoglycoside antibacterial, with dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, in a single ophthalmic suspension.

Tobramycin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis, and dexamethasone limits the inflammatory response in the tissues it contacts. According to the manufacturer's labeling, the product is FDA-approved for steroid-responsive inflammatory ocular conditions where a corticosteroid is indicated and a superficial bacterial infection or a risk of one exists. That labeling was written for human patients.

The actions described here reflect the product's FDA-approved labeling; your veterinarian determines the appropriate use for your animal. Prescription only. Use only under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. This information is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, prescribing, or monitoring.

Tobradex ST contains a corticosteroid, so the labeling advises against use when a viral, fungal or mycobacterial infection of the eye is present. It also advises caution in animals with corneal ulcers or a thinned cornea, since steroids can delay healing and perforation has been reported. Prolonged corticosteroid use can raise intraocular pressure and contribute to cataract formation, and the labeling recommends monitoring pressure when use continues for 10 days or longer. Extended use can also mask or worsen an infection. Tobramycin is an aminoglycoside, so a history of sensitivity to this class is worth mentioning to your veterinarian. Contact your veterinarian if redness, swelling, discharge or discomfort increases, or if the eye has not improved within about 2 days. Corticosteroids were teratogenic in animal studies, so ask your veterinarian before using it in pregnant or lactating animals. Shake the bottle well before each use, keep the dropper tip from touching the eye or any surface and do not stop early or reuse leftover medication without veterinary guidance. Wash your hands after handling and keep out of the reach of children.