How to Find Dexamethasone/Tobramycin in Stock Near You (Tools + Tips)

When you're dealing with an eye infection or inflammation, the last thing you want is to waste time calling pharmacy after pharmacy looking for your medication. Dexamethasone/Tobramycin (sold under the brand names TobraDex and TobraDex ST) is a commonly prescribed ophthalmic combination of an antibiotic and a steroid — but that doesn't mean every pharmacy has it sitting on the shelf.

Here are the best tools and strategies to find Dexamethasone/Tobramycin in stock near you — fast.

Tip 1: Use Medfinder to Check Pharmacy Stock

The fastest way to find Dexamethasone/Tobramycin in stock is to use Medfinder. Instead of calling multiple pharmacies yourself, Medfinder lets you search for your medication and see which pharmacies near you currently have it available. It's free, and it can save you hours of frustration — especially when you need your eye drops right away.

Simply enter "Dexamethasone/Tobramycin" or "TobraDex" and your zip code. Medfinder will show you nearby pharmacies that are likely to have it in stock, along with pricing information to help you save.

Tip 2: Try Independent Pharmacies Near Eye Clinics

Independent pharmacies — especially those located near ophthalmology practices or eye surgery centers — are much more likely to keep specialty eye drops in stock. These pharmacies see a higher volume of ophthalmic prescriptions, so they're more likely to have Dexamethasone/Tobramycin on hand.

If your ophthalmologist has an in-office dispensary, that's often the easiest place to fill your prescription on the same day. Ask your eye doctor's office if they can dispense it directly.

Tip 3: Call During Off-Peak Hours and Ask About the Generic

If you need to call pharmacies, try calling early in the morning (right when they open) or mid-afternoon on weekdays. These tend to be the quietest times, and pharmacy staff will have more time to check their inventory thoroughly and even check what their distributor has available.

When you call, ask specifically for generic Tobramycin/Dexamethasone ophthalmic suspension. The generic is more widely available and significantly cheaper than brand-name TobraDex. If they don't have it in stock, ask whether they can order it — most pharmacies can get it from their distributor within 1-2 business days.

What If You Still Can't Find It?

If you've tried several pharmacies and still can't locate Dexamethasone/Tobramycin, here are a few more options:

• Ask about the ointment form — Dexamethasone/Tobramycin is available as both eye drops and an ointment. If the suspension is out of stock, the ointment may be available and could work for your condition.
• Ask your doctor about alternatives — Similar medications like Zylet (Tobramycin/Loteprednol) or Maxitrol (Neomycin/Polymyxin B/Dexamethasone) may be available. See our full guide on alternatives to Dexamethasone/Tobramycin.
• Check hospital outpatient pharmacies — Hospital-based pharmacies often carry a wider range of ophthalmic medications and may have stock when retail pharmacies don't.
• Have your doctor's office call ahead — Your prescriber's office may have relationships with local pharmacies and can verify stock before sending your prescription.
• Use separate drops — In some cases, your doctor may prescribe Tobramycin eye drops and Dexamethasone eye drops as separate medications. Both are widely available individually and may be easier to find.

Should You Switch Pharmacies Permanently?

If you find yourself repeatedly struggling to fill ophthalmic prescriptions, it may be worth building a relationship with a pharmacy that regularly stocks eye medications. Independent pharmacies near ophthalmology clinics are often your best bet. They're accustomed to filling these prescriptions and typically maintain better stock of specialty eye drops.

Save Money While You Search

Prices for Dexamethasone/Tobramycin vary widely between pharmacies. Brand-name TobraDex can cost $200 to $350, while the generic may be as low as $28 with a discount card. When checking availability, compare prices too — you might find a pharmacy that has it in stock and at a better price. Learn more in our guide on how to save money on Dexamethasone/Tobramycin.

Final Thoughts

Finding Dexamethasone/Tobramycin doesn't have to be a stressful experience. Start with Medfinder to check stock at pharmacies near you, try independent pharmacies that specialize in eye care, and always ask for the generic version first. If your eye condition is getting worse while you search, don't wait — contact your doctor for guidance on next steps.

Related: Why is Dexamethasone/Tobramycin so hard to find?