Tobramycin/Dexamethasone Ophthalmic Solution
Tobramycin/Dexamethasone is a compounded formulation containing Tobramycin, Dexamethasone, prepared by Mixlab for veterinary use. Available by prescription.
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:
- Wash Your Hands: Start clean to avoid germs.
- 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.
- Clean the Eye (if needed): Use a damp cotton ball or gauze to gently wipe any discharge.
- 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.
- 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.
- Let Your Pet Blink: Blinking helps spread the medication. Gently blot away excess drops.
- Repeat for the Other Eye (if needed): Use the same care and steps.
- Prevent Rubbing: Hold your pet briefly to stop rubbing. Offer gentle praise or a treat!
- Multiple Eye Meds?: Wait 5–10 minutes between different meds. Use watery drops before thicker ointments, unless told otherwise.
- Store Properly: Recap the bottle and store it as directed (usually at room temp).
This compounded formulation combines tobramycin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, with dexamethasone, a corticosteroid — two different drug classes. In compounding practice, clinicians may consider a combination like this for a multi-targeted approach. Your veterinarian determines whether it is appropriate based on your animal's diagnostic findings.
This description reflects the general pharmacology of the active ingredient's drug class; your veterinarian determines whether this approach is appropriate 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. Compounded drugs are not approved by the FDA for safety or effectiveness.
At a pharmacological level, the tobramycin manages the bacterial population while dexamethasone is used to modulate the inflammatory response. Commonly observed effects include localized changes such as mild redness or temporary squinting. Because steroids can influence corneal healing, your veterinarian will monitor for observational signs of recovery through regular exams. Owners should monitor for any cloudiness in the eye and contact their veterinarian promptly.
Yes. This combination requires a valid prescription from a licensed veterinarian before it can be dispensed. Mixlab verifies all legal authorizations before any medication is shipped.
Yes. Mixlab specializes in compounding tobramycin and dexamethasone into customized sterile eye drops tailored to the specific needs of your pet.
Veterinarians may consider combining these ingredients so the preparation can act through more than one mechanism at once — here, it brings together antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions in one preparation. Your veterinarian determines whether this multi-targeted approach is appropriate for your pet.
Steroids are typically avoided in pets with corneal ulcers as they can may influence the healing process. Your veterinarian will perform a professional exam before authorizing this approach.
It is important to avoid touching the dropper tip to maintain sterility. Your veterinarian will provide guidance on the administration schedule and proper technique.
