Tobradex Is a Prescription Eye Drop That Combines an Antibiotic and a Steroid to Treat Bacterial Eye Infections With Inflammation

If your doctor has prescribed Tobradex — or you've heard the name and want to learn more — this guide covers everything you need to know: what it is, what it treats, how to use it, who should avoid it, and what it costs in 2026.

What Is Tobradex?

Tobradex is a brand-name prescription ophthalmic medication that contains two active ingredients:

• Tobramycin (0.3%) — An aminoglycoside antibiotic that kills bacteria
• Dexamethasone (0.1%) — A corticosteroid that reduces inflammation

It's manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals and distributed by Alcon Laboratories. Tobradex has been FDA-approved for decades and remains one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotic-steroid combination eye drops.

A related product, Tobradex ST, contains a lower concentration of Dexamethasone (0.05%) and uses a different suspension technology for better drug delivery.

Tobradex is not a controlled substance. A generic version (Tobramycin/Dexamethasone ophthalmic suspension) is available.

Available Forms

• Ophthalmic suspension (eye drops) — 5 mL and 10 mL bottles
• Ophthalmic ointment — 3.5 g tube
• Tobradex ST suspension — 5 mL bottle

What Is Tobradex Used For?

Tobradex is prescribed for eye conditions that involve both bacterial infection and inflammation. The antibiotic component fights the infection while the steroid reduces swelling, redness, and discomfort. FDA-approved uses include:

• Bacterial conjunctivitis with inflammation — "Pink eye" caused by bacteria with significant swelling or redness
• Blepharitis with bacterial infection — Inflammation of the eyelids caused by bacteria
• Post-surgical eye infections — Preventing or treating infections and inflammation after eye surgery
• Corneal injuries with secondary infection — Burns or injuries to the cornea complicated by bacterial infection
• Steroid-responsive inflammatory conditions — Other eye conditions where both infection and inflammation are present

Doctors also sometimes use Tobradex off-label after procedures like LASIK and cataract surgery to prevent inflammation and infection.

To understand how Tobradex works at a deeper level, see our mechanism of action guide.

How Is Tobradex Taken?

Tobradex is applied directly to the affected eye(s). Here's how to use each form:

Eye Drops (Suspension)

1. Shake the bottle well before each use — the medication is a suspension that settles
2. Wash your hands thoroughly
3. Tilt your head back and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket
4. Hold the dropper above your eye and squeeze 1–2 drops into the pocket
5. Do not touch the dropper tip to your eye or any surface
6. Close your eyes gently for 1–2 minutes — avoid blinking or squeezing
7. If using other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between medications

Ointment

1. Wash your hands
2. Pull down the lower eyelid
3. Apply a thin ribbon of ointment into the conjunctival sac
4. Close your eye gently and roll the eyeball to distribute

Typical Dosage

The standard dose is 1–2 drops every 4–6 hours. For severe infections, your doctor may increase this to every 2 hours during the first 24–48 hours. Ointment is typically applied 3–4 times daily.

Treatment courses are usually 5–14 days. Do not use Tobradex longer than prescribed — prolonged steroid use in the eye can lead to serious complications like increased eye pressure and cataracts.

Important Usage Notes

• Do not wear contact lenses during treatment
• Store at room temperature
• Discard any unused medication after the treatment period

Who Should Not Take Tobradex?

Tobradex is not appropriate for everyone. You should not use Tobradex if you have:

• Viral eye infections — Including herpes simplex keratitis, chickenpox (varicella), or vaccinia infections of the eye. Steroids can worsen these conditions dramatically.
• Fungal eye infections — The steroid component can allow fungal infections to flourish
• Mycobacterial eye infections — Including tuberculosis of the eye
• Untreated parasitic eye infections
• Known allergy to Tobramycin, Dexamethasone, or any component of the formulation

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant. Tobradex is Pregnancy Category C — it should be used only if the benefit outweighs the risk.

Tobradex is approved for children 2 months and older. No dose adjustment is needed for elderly patients.

How Much Does Tobradex Cost?

In 2026, here's what you can expect to pay:

• Brand-name Tobradex suspension (5 mL) — $200–$350 without insurance
• Brand-name Tobradex ointment — $290+
• Tobradex ST suspension — $149+
• Generic Tobramycin/Dexamethasone suspension (5 mL) — $28–$55 with a discount card

Most insurance plans cover the generic with copays ranging from $10–$30. Brand-name Tobradex may require prior authorization if a generic is available.

To lower your costs, explore coupons, discount cards, and patient assistance programs. Novartis offers a co-pay savings card for commercially insured patients, and the Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation provides free medication to qualifying low-income uninsured patients.

Final Thoughts

Tobradex is a well-established, effective treatment for bacterial eye infections accompanied by inflammation. It combines the infection-fighting power of Tobramycin with the anti-inflammatory benefits of Dexamethasone in a single convenient eye drop. The key is using it exactly as prescribed and attending follow-up appointments so your doctor can monitor for side effects.

Need to fill your prescription? Use Medfinder to find Tobradex in stock at a pharmacy near you.