This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.
Brand Names: US
Bethkis; Kitabis Pak; Tobi; Tobi Podhaler
Brand Names: Canada
TEVA-Tobramycin; Tobi; Tobi Podhaler
What is this drug used for?
- It is used in people with cystic fibrosis to treat a certain type of bacterial infection.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?
- If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you are taking any of these drugs: Ethacrynic acid, furosemide, mannitol, or urea.
- If you are taking or have recently taken any drugs that can cause nerve, kidney, or hearing problems. This may be drugs like amphotericin B, bacitracin, cephaloridine, cisplatin, colistin, cyclosporine, paromomycin, polymyxin B, vancomycin, viomycin, or other drugs like this one. There are many other drugs that can do this. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Have your blood work, hearing, and other lab tests checked as you have been told by your doctor.
- Do not use longer than you have been told. A second infection may happen.
- This drug may cause harm to the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant. If you are pregnant or you get pregnant while taking this drug, call your doctor right away.
- Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain.
- Change in balance.
- Dizziness or passing out.
- Fever.
- Muscle weakness.
- Ringing in the ears, hearing loss, or any other changes in hearing.
- Wheezing.
- Cough that does not go away.
- Coughing up blood.
- Trouble breathing that is new or worse.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Headache.
- Cough.
- More sputum.
- Mouth pain.
- Throat pain.
- Sore throat.
- Change in taste.
- Noisy breathing.
- Change in voice.
- Stuffy nose.
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
How is this drug best taken?
Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
Liquid for breathing in:
- You will use by breathing in from the mouth with a special machine (nebulizer). Your doctor will teach you the right way to use.
- Only use the type of nebulizer that you have been told to use. If you are not sure what type of nebulizer to use, talk with the doctor.
- Keep using this drug as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
- Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
- Do not mix other drugs in nebulizer.
- If you are taking more than 1 inhaled drug, talk to your doctor about the best order for taking your drugs.
- Follow how to clean the nebulizer carefully.
Capsules for breathing in:
- Do not swallow capsule. The contents of the capsule will be breathed into the lungs.
- Only use the device that comes with this drug. Do not use any other devices.
- Keep using this drug as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
- Take the capsule out of the foil right before use.
- If any powder stays in the capsule, breathe out fully and repeat. When the capsule is empty, throw it away.
- If you are taking more than 1 inhaled drug, talk to your doctor about the best order for taking your drugs.
- Use new inhaler with each refill.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is less than 6 hours until the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal time.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
Liquid for breathing in:
- Store in a refrigerator or at room temperature. If stored at room temperature, throw away any part not used after 28 days.
- Store unused containers in foil pouch until use.
- Do not freeze.
- Protect from light.
- This drug may become a little darker over time if stored at room temperature. This does not affect how well the drug works as long as it is stored at room temperature as you have been told.
Capsules for breathing in:
- Store in the original container at room temperature.
- Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
All products:
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
General drug facts
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else’s drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.
Last Reviewed Date
2023-05-15
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