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Tobradex ST

tobramycin / dexamethasone · Suspension/ Drops

Prescription NDA RLD Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
Tobradex ST
Generic name
tobramycin / dexamethasone
Dosage form
Suspension/ Drops
Route
Ophthalmic
Marketing category
NDA · NDA
Labeler
Harrow Eye, LLC
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
2
NDC product codes
2
Packages
4
Data completeness
76% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Dexamethasone .5 mg/mL 197577 View
Tobramycin 3 mg/mL 313415 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Suspension/ Drops
Route of administration
Ophthalmic
Presentations
6

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Aminoglycoside Antibacterial [EPC] EPC All 66 members
Aminoglycosides [CS] CS All 66 members
Corticosteroid Hormone Receptor Agonists [MoA] MoA All 215 members
Corticosteroid [EPC] EPC All 215 members

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
050818
Application type
NDA · New Drug Application
Approval date
February 13, 2009
Sponsor
HARROW EYE
Products on application
1
Submissions recorded
6
Products approved under application 050818.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
050818-001 TOBRADEX ST SUSPENSION/DROPS DEXAMETHASONE; TOBRAMYCIN Prescription — RLD RS

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
—
Reference Listed Drug
Yes
Reference Standard
Yes

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Patents and exclusivity

Source: Orange Book
Patent listings submitted under 21 U.S.C. 355(b)(1) and (c)(2).
Patent Expires Product Substance Use code Submitted
8101582 December 19, 2027 001 No U-1082 September 27, 2012
8450287 December 19, 2027 001 No February 16, 2016
7795316 August 3, 2028 001 No U-1082 September 30, 2010

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 050818.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 10 Labeling Approved March 17, 2026 Standard
Supplement 9 Labeling Approved August 16, 2022 Standard
Supplement 8 Labeling Approved August 16, 2022 Standard
Supplement 7 Labeling Approved August 16, 2022 Standard
Supplement 1 Labeling Approved August 3, 2010 Standard
Original application 1 Type 3 - New Dosage Form Approved February 13, 2009 Standard

Review documents

  • 0 · Supplement · March 26, 2026
  • 0 · Supplement · August 17, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · August 17, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · August 17, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · August 17, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · August 17, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · August 17, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · August 10, 2010
  • 0 · Original application · April 21, 2010
  • 0 · Original application · April 21, 2010
  • 0 · Original application · March 2, 2009
  • 0 · Original application · February 18, 2009

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20250116). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20250116

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE TOBRADEX ST ophthalmic suspension is indicated for steroid-responsive inflammatory ocular conditions for which a corticosteroid is indicated and where superficial bacterial ocular infection or a risk of bacterial ocular infection exists. Ocular steroids are indicated in inflammatory conditions of the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, cornea and anterior segment of the globe where the inherent risk of steroid use in certain infective conjunctivitides is accepted to obtain a diminution in edema and inflammation. They are also indicated in chronic anterior uveitis and corneal injury from chemical, radiation or thermal burns, or penetration of foreign bodies. The use of a combination drug with an anti-infective component is indicated where the risk of superficial ocular infection is high or where there is an expectation that potentially dangerous numbers of bacteria will be present in the eye. The particular anti-infective drug in this product is active against the following common bacterial eye pathogens: Staphylococci , including S. aureus and S. epidermidi s (coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative), including penicillin-resistant isolates. Streptococci , including some Group A and other beta-hemolytic species, some nonhemolytic species, and some Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Proteus mirabilis, Morganella morganii , most Proteus vulgaris isolates, Haemophilus influenzae, H. aegyptius, Moraxella lacunata, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus , and some Neisseria species . TOBRADEX ST is a topical antibiotic and corticosteroid combination for steroid-responsive inflammatory ocular conditions for which a corticosteroid is indicated and where superficial bacterial ocular infection or a risk of bacterial ocular infection exists. ( 1 ).

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Instill one drop into the conjunctival sac(s) every 4 to 6 hours. ( 2.1 ) During the initial 24 to 48 hours, dosage may be increased to one drop every 2 hours. ( 2.1 ) Frequency should be decreased gradually as warranted by improvement in clinical signs, but care should be taken not to discontinue therapy prematurely. ( 2.1 ) 2.1 Initiation and Continuation of Treatment Evaluate intraocular pressure (IOP) prior to the initial prescription and renewal of the medication order [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Perform ophthalmic examination with the aid of magnification, such as slit lamp biomicroscopy, and, where appropriate, fluorescein staining, prior to the initial prescription and renewal of the medication order. Re-evaluate the patient if signs and symptoms fail to improve after 2 days [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4 , 5.5) ] . Not more than one bottle should be prescribed initially, and the prescription should not be refilled without further evaluation. 2.2 Recommended Dosage Instill one drop into the conjunctival sac(s) every 4 to 6 hours. During the initial 24 to 48 hours, the dosage may be increased to one drop every 2 hours. Frequency should be decreased gradually as warranted by improvement in clinical signs. Care should be taken not to discontinue therapy prematurely. Shake well before use.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS TOBRADEX ST ophthalmic suspension 0.3%/0.05% contains 3 mg/mL tobramycin and 0.5 mg/mL dexamethasone. TOBRADEX ST ophthalmic suspension contains 0.3% (3 mg/mL) tobramycin and 0.05% (0.5 mg/mL) dexamethasone. ( 3 )

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS TOBRADEX ST, as with other ophthalmic corticosteroids, is contraindicated in most viral diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva, including epithelial herpes simplex keratitis (dendritic keratitis), vaccinia, and varicella, and also in mycobacterial infection of the eye and fungal diseases of ocular structures. ( 4.1 ) Hypersensitivity to any component of the medication ( 4.2 ) 4.1 Nonbacterial Etiology TOBRADEX ST, as with other ophthalmic corticosteroids, is contraindicated in most viral diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva, including epithelial herpes simplex keratitis (dendritic keratitis), vaccinia, and varicella, and also in mycobacterial infection of the eye and fungal diseases of ocular structures. 4.2 Hypersensitivity Hypersensitivity to a component of the medication.

Warnings and Cautions

openFDA Drug Labeling

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Intraocular Pressure (IOP) Increase : Prolonged use of corticosteroids may result in glaucoma with damage to the optic nerve, defects in visual acuity and fields of vision. If this product is used for 10 days or longer, IOP should be monitored. ( 5.1 ). Sensitivity to topically applied aminoglycosides may occur. ( 5.2 ) Cataracts : Use of corticosteroids may result in posterior subcapsular cataract formation. ( 5.3 ) Delayed Healing : The use of steroids after cataract surgery may delay healing and increase the incidence of bleb formation. In those diseases causing thinning of the cornea or sclera, perforations have been known to occur with the use of topical steroids. The initial prescription and renewal of the medication order should be made by a physician only after examination of the patient with the aid of magnification such as slit lamp biomicroscopy and, where appropriate, fluorescein staining. ( 5.4 ) Bacterial Infections : Prolonged use of corticosteroids may suppress the host response and thus increase the hazard of secondary ocular infections. In acute purulent conditions, steroids may mask infection or enhance existing infection. If signs and symptoms fail to improve after 2 days, the patient should be re-evaluated. ( 5.5 ) Viral Infections : Employment of a corticosteroid medication in the treatment of patients with a history of herpes simplex requires great caution. Use of ocular steroids may prolong the course and may exacerbate the severity of many viral infections of the eye (including herpes simplex). ( 5.6 ) Fungal Infections : Fungal infections of the cornea are particularly prone to develop coincidentally with long-term local steroid application. Fungus invasion must be considered in any persistent corneal ulceration where a steroid has been used or is in use. ( 5.7 ) Vision Blurred : Vision may be temporarily blurred following dosing with TOBRADEX ST. Care should be exercised in operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle. ( 5.8 ) 5.1 Intraocular Pressure Increase Prolonged use of corticosteroids may result in glaucoma with damage to the optic nerve, defects in visual acuity and fields of vision. If this product is used for 10 days or longer, intraocular pressure (IOP) should be monitored. 5.2 Aminoglycoside Sensitivity Sensitivity to topically applied aminoglycosides may occur. 5.3 Cataracts Use of corticosteroids may result in posterior subcapsular cataract formation. 5.4 Delayed Healing The use of steroids after cataract surgery may delay healing and increase the incidence of bleb formation. In those diseases causing thinning of the cornea or sclera, perforations have been known to occur with the use of topical steroids. The initial prescription and renewal of the medication order should be made by a physician only after examination of the patient with the aid of magnification such as slit lamp biomicroscopy and, where appropriate, fluorescein staining. 5.5 Bacterial Infections Prolonged use of corticosteroids may suppress the host response and thus increase the hazard of secondary ocular infections. In acute purulent conditions, steroids may mask infection or enhance existing infection. If signs and symptoms fail to improve after 2 days, the patient should be reevaluated. 5.6 Viral Infections Employment of a corticosteroid medication in the treatment of patients with a history of herpes simplex requires great caution. Use of ocular steroids may prolong the course and may exacerbate the severity of many viral infections of the eye (including herpes simplex). 5.7 Fungal Infections Fungal infections of the cornea are particularly prone to develop coincidentally with long-term local steroid application. Fungus invasion must be considered in any persistent corneal ulceration where a steroid has been used or is in use. 5.8 Vision Blurred Vision may be temporarily blurred following dosing with TOBRADEX ST. Care should be exercised in operating machinery or driving a motor vehicl …

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions to topical ocular tobramycin are hypersensitivity and localized ocular toxicity, including eye pain, eyelids pruritus, eyelid edema, and conjunctival hyperemia. The reactions due to the steroid component are increases in IOP with possible development of glaucoma. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Eyevance Pharmaceuticals, LLC at 1- 844-390-0720 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adverse reactions have occurred with steroid/anti-infective combination drugs, which can be attributed to the steroid component, the anti-infective component, or the combination. Exact incidence figures are not available. The most frequent adverse reactions to topical ocular tobramycin (TOBREX ® ) are hypersensitivity and localized ocular toxicity, including eye pain, eyelids pruritus, eyelid edema, and conjunctival hyperemia. These reactions occur in less than 4% of patients. The reactions due to the steroid component are: increased IOP with possible development of glaucoma, and infrequent optic nerve disorder; subcapsular cataract; and impaired healing [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.3 , 5.4) ] . The development of secondary infection has occurred after use of combinations containing steroids and antimicrobials. Fungal infections of the cornea are particularly prone to develop coincidentally with long-term applications of steroids [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] . The possibility of fungal invasion must be considered in any persistent corneal ulceration where steroid treatment has been used. Secondary bacterial ocular infection following suppression of host responses also occurs. Non-ocular adverse events occurring at an incidence of 0.5% to 1% included headache and increased blood pressure. The following additional adverse reactions have been reported with the individual components below: Aminoglycosides: Neurotoxicity, ototoxicity, and nephrotoxicity have occurred in patients receiving systemic aminoglycoside therapy. Aminoglycosides may aggravate muscle weakness in patients with known or suspected neuromuscular disorders, such as myasthenia gravis or Parkinson's disease, because of their potential effect on neuromuscular function. Dexamethasone: Cushing's syndrome and adrenal suppression may occur after use of dexamethasone in excess of the listed dosing instructions in predisposed patients, including children and patients treated with CYP3A4 inhibitors. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of TOBRADEX ST. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Additional adverse reactions identified from postapproval use include, anaphylactic reaction, and erythema multiforme.

Use in Specific Populations

openFDA Drug Labeling

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic in animal studies. Ocular administration of 0.1% dexamethasone resulted in 15.6% and 32.3% incidence of fetal anomalies in 2 groups of pregnant rabbits. Fetal growth retardation and increased mortality rates have been observed in rats with chronic dexamethasone therapy. Reproduction studies have been performed in rats and rabbits with tobramycin at doses up to 100 mg/kg/day (equivalent to human doses of 16 and 32 mg/kg/day, respectively) and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. However, prolonged or repeated corticoid use during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of intra-uterine growth retardation. Infants born of mothers who have received substantial doses of corticosteroids during pregnancy should be observed carefully for signs of hypoadrenalism. TOBRADEX ST ophthalmic suspension should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ] . 8.3 Nursing Mothers Systemically administered corticosteroids appear in human milk and could suppress growth, interfere with endogenous corticosteroid production, or cause other untoward effects. It is not known whether topical administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when TOBRADEX ST is administered to a nursing woman. 8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 2 years have not been established. 8.5 Geriatric Use No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger patients.

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

12.1 Mechanism of Action Dexamethasone is a potent corticoid. Corticoids suppress the inflammatory response to a variety of agents and they can delay or slow healing. Since corticoids may inhibit the body's defense mechanism against infection, a concomitant antimicrobial drug may be used when this inhibition is considered to be clinically significant. Tobramycin is an antibacterial drug. It inhibits the growth of bacteria by inhibiting protein synthesis. Tobramycin is included in this combination product to provide action against susceptible bacteria [see Microbiology (12.4) ] .

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

11 DESCRIPTION TOBRADEX ST (tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic suspension) 0.3%/0.05% is a sterile, isotonic, white, aqueous antibiotic and steroid suspension with a pH of approximately 5.7 and an osmolality of approximately 290 mOsm/kg. The chemical name of tobramycin is O-3-amino-3-deoxy-α-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-[2,6-diamino- 2,3,6-trideoxy-α-D-ribo-hexopyranosyl-(1→6)]-2-deoxy- L-streptamine. It has a molecular formula of C 18 H 37 N 5 O 9 and a molecular weight of 467.52 g/mol. The chemical structure is: The chemical name of dexamethasone is 9-fluoro-11β,17,21-trihydroxy-16α-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione. It has a molecular formula of C 22 H 29 FO 5 and a molecular weight of 392.47 g/mol. The chemical structure is: Each mL of TOBRADEX ST contains: Actives: tobramycin 3 mg and dexamethasone 0.5 mg. Preservative: benzalkonium chloride 0.1 mg. Inactives: edetate disodium, hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide (to adjust pH), propylene glycol, purified water, sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, tyloxapol, and xanthan gum. Chemical Structure Chemical Structure

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING TOBRADEX ST is supplied as a 2.5 mL or 5 mL suspension in a 4 mL or 8 mL natural polyethylene DROP-TAINER ® bottle with a natural polyethylene dispenser tip and a pink polypropylene overcap. Tamper evidence is provided with a shrink band around the closure and neck area of the bottle. 2.5 mL NDC 71776-035-03 5 mL NDC 71776-035-05 Storage Store at 2°C to 25°C (36°F to 77°F). Protect from light. After opening, TOBRADEX ST can be used until the expiration date on the bottle.

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
308,304
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: DEXAMETHASONE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
71776-035-01 71776-035 Eyevance Pharmaceuticals, LLC 1 BOTTLE, DROPPER in 1 CARTON (71776-035-01) / 1 mL in 1 BOTTLE, DROPPER May 19, 2021
71776-035-05 71776-035 Eyevance Pharmaceuticals, LLC 1 BOTTLE, DROPPER in 1 CARTON (71776-035-05) / 5 mL in 1 BOTTLE, DROPPER May 19, 2021
82667-011-00 82667-011 Harrow Eye, LLC 1 BOTTLE, DROPPER in 1 CARTON (82667-011-00) / 1 mL in 1 BOTTLE, DROPPER March 31, 2025
82667-011-05 82667-011 Harrow Eye, LLC 1 BOTTLE, DROPPER in 1 CARTON (82667-011-05) / 5 mL in 1 BOTTLE, DROPPER March 31, 2025
71776-035 71776-035 Eyevance Pharmaceuticals, LLC — May 19, 2021
82667-011 82667-011 Harrow Eye, LLC — March 31, 2025

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts

Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.