What Are the Uses of Tobramycin for Cystic Fibrosis?

Tobramycin for cystic fibrosis is an inhaled medicine that may be prescribed to certain patients with cystic fibrosis. It is an antibiotic that can help treat an infection of the lungs caused by the Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria, and it should not be used for infections caused by other types of bacteria. Cystic fibrosis is a disorder in which the body's cells produce an excess of thick mucus, which builds up in the patient's digestive tract and lungs, frequently resulting in recurrent pneumonia, chronic respiratory failure, and bowel problems.

Patients who use tobramycin for cystic fibrosis may benefit by having improved lung function. They are also less likely to require intravenous antibiotics, and may be able to reduce the amount of time they are hospitalized. Not all patients may be able to use tobramycin for cystic fibrosis, however. Those who are younger than six years old should not use it, and those with allergies to aminoglycosides may also be allergic to tobramycin. The doctor will check the patient's lung function before beginning treatment, in order to determine that it falls within the range that is approved for this medicine.

When taking inhaled tobramycin for cystic fibrosis, patients will be prescribed two doses daily, 12 hours apart. They will use the drug for 28 consecutive days, followed by 28 consecutive days without the drug, and so on. Tobramycin is administered with a nebulizer, which is a breathing device, and a compressor, which is an air pump.

A doctor will show the patient how to insert the medication into the nebulizer. The patient will then breathe with the nebulizer for 10 to 15 consecutive minutes. He may rinse his mouth afterward, as this medicine can leave an unpleasant taste, and he should also rinse the entire nebulizer following each dose.

Some side effects may occur with the use of tobramycin for cystic fibrosis treatment. Patients have reported back pain, unusual fatigue, and malaise. More serious side effects require a doctor's urgent care, such as problems breathing, or a runny, bloody, or stuffy nose. Changes in the patient's voice, discoloration of his sputum, or hearing loss may occur. Symptoms of an overdose may include dizziness, fast or slow breathing, and vertigo, along with drowsiness and blue discoloration of the skin, lips, or fingernails.

Before using tobramycin for cystic fibrosis, patients should disclose their other medical conditions, medications, and supplements. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should discuss the possible risks with their doctors. Tobramycin may be contraindicated for use by those with kidney problems, balance problems, or Parkinson's disease, as well as breathing problems and myasthenia gravis. This drug may interact with other medicines, including lysine, cisplatin, and cyclosporine.