Tobrex for Cats - Tobramycin Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Tobrex for Cats - Tobramycin Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Especially when they are young kittens, the large eyes of cats are one of their most beautiful features. Unfortunately, they are also one of their most vulnerable. Various pathologies can affect the eye and they are a good indicator of the general health and well-being of a cat. They can also point to some specific ailments, some more common than others. For this reason, various treatments have been devised with tobramycin for cats being a common antibiotic used for a cat's eyes. Tobramycin is sold under the brand name Tobrex, among others.

AnimalWised details Tobrex for cats. We look at its uses, dosage, side effects and other factors we need to consider when administering tobramycin eye drops for cats.

What is Tobrex for cats?

Tobrex is a transparent antibiotic eye drop effective against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. These are the bacteria responsible for eye infections that we can detect by producing signs such as redness, purulence and other secretions. The active ingredient of Tobrex is known as tobramycin, a type of aminoglycoside antibiotic.

It is important not to confuse Tobrex with another eye drop that also contains tobramycin known as Tobradex for cats. The latter also contains dexamethasone which has an anti-inflammatory effect. Only the veterinarian can tell us which antibiotic eye drops for cats to use as they are not interchangeable. They are not the same product and administering one instead of the other can have serious health consequences.

Tobrex is presented in 5 ml plastic containers with attached droppers you can screw off. One drop of Tobrex is about 0.05 ml, so there are about 100 drops in a bottle. This is the amount which is usually required for a course of treatment. It is also marketed in the form of an ointment with the same properties. It does not require any special storage conditions, but is best stored in a cool dry place. It should be out of reach of both children and pets.

Learn about other types of cat eye infection treatment with out related article.

Tobrex for cats uses

As it is an antibiotic eye drop, its use is indicated when the veterinarian determines that our cat has a bacterial infection in one or both eyes. Most commonly, it is prescribed to treat conjunctivitis in cats. We should never use it without having confirmation of a diagnosis from a veterinarian. This could be counterproductive as many other issues can result in symptoms concurrent with conjunctivitis.

Some veterinarians specialized in ophthalmology prefer not to prescribe Tobrex as a first option. They often prefer to first use other antibiotic eye drops for cats. This is one of the reason we insist it is always necessary to go to a veterinary consultation as soon as possible to avoid complications.

Find out about other reasons why a cat has eye problems with our article on why a cat's eyes are puffy.

Tobrex for cats dosage

Tobrex should be applied as prescribed by the veterinarian based on the cause of the infection, the state of our cat's eyes and the evolution of the condition. 1-2 drops of Tobrex are usually administered between 3 and 4 times a day for a period of about 8-10 days. This general guideline may vary according to the veterinarian's criteria.

It is very important we follow the treatment to the end even if we notice that the cat improves in just a few days. If we withdraw Tobrex too early, a relapse could occur and the new infection may no longer resolve with this drug. This is because cats can build antibiotic resistance.

Neither should we administer Tobrex for cats for more days than prescribed. If the cat does not improve or their condition worsens, contact the veterinarian. Finally, the eye must be clean before applying this eye drop. We must write down the date on which the container was opened on the box and discard the product after four weeks of opening.

Find out more about administering eye drops by looking at our article on cleaning the eyes of a cat.

Contraindications and side effects of Tobrex for cats

It should go without saying that Tobrex cannot be applied to cats allergic to tobramycin. Even if the cat is not listed as allergic, if we notice any reaction compatible with allergy after administering Tobrex, we need to cease treatment and notify our veterinarian immediately. Although side effects of Tobrex for cats are uncommon, they may include:

  • Redness
  • Discomfort/itching
  • Blurred vision
  • Eye swelling

Much less frequently these types of effects will be more serious. In such cases it is recommended to inform the veterinarian. To learn how to identify allergic reactions in these animals, don't miss our article on signs of allergies in cats.

How much does Tobrex for cats cost?

Tobrex is a human medicine eye drop which is available over the counter. This means it can be purchased at any pharmacy and even without a prescription. However, you should only purchase Tobrex for your cat with a veterinary prescribed for the reasons detailed above.

A 5 ml bottle of Tobrex eyedrops for cats retails at around $15 to $20, but it usually less expensive outside of the United States. In Europe, a bottle of Tobrex can retail for around €2 to €3.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Tobrex for Cats - Tobramycin Uses, Dosage and Side Effects, we recommend you visit our Medicine category.