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Tobramycin

Prescription
Aminoglycoside antibiotic
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
4 available
Interactions
1 documented
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Binds irreversibly to the 30S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis; concentration-dependent bactericidal activity, particularly effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

At a glance

Class
Aminoglycoside antibiotic
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Below 25°C, protect from light

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Severe gram-negative infections; ophthalmic infections
Dose
2–6 mg/kg
Route
IV, IM, SC, topical ophthalmic
Frequency
TID (systemic); Q4–6H (ophthalmic)
Max dose
300 mg/dose; 900 mg/day
Duration: 5–7 days systemic; 7–14 days ophthalmic
🐈

Cat

Severe gram-negative infections; ophthalmic infections
Dose
2–5 mg/kg
Route
IV, IM, SC, topical ophthalmic
Frequency
TID (systemic); Q4–6H (ophthalmic)
Max dose
50 mg/dose; 150 mg/day
Duration: 5–7 days systemic; 7–14 days ophthalmic

Formulations

🧴

Ophthalmic solution — 1

Strength
0.3%
Available in India
💉

Injectable solution — 1

Strength
40mg/mL
Available in India

Storage

Below 25°C, protect from light

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Known hypersensitivity to aminoglycosides

Use with caution

  • Renal impairment
    Concurrent nephrotoxic or ototoxic drugs increase risk

Adverse effects

Common
Nephrotoxicity
Local irritation (ophthalmic)
Serious
Ototoxicity (vestibular and cochlear)
Neuromuscular blockade
Acute renal failure

Monitoring parameters

BUN/CreatinineUrinalysisSerum trough levelsSigns of vestibular toxicity

Interactions

Major — 1

Furosemide
major
Furosemide concentrates aminoglycoside in renal tubules and inner ear, increasing nephro- and ototoxicity risk.
Management: Avoid if possible. If both needed, ensure aggressive hydration and monitor BUN/creatinine q24-48h.

Brands

International

Tobrex
Novartis/Alcon
Nebcin
Lilly

India

Tobramycin Eye Drops
Sun Pharma
Tobastar
Cipla

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Tobramycin?
Tobramycin is a aminoglycoside antibiotic used in pets. Binds irreversibly to the 30S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis; concentration-dependent bactericidal activity, particularly effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
›What is Tobramycin used for in pets?
Tobramycin is used in veterinary medicine for: Severe gram-negative infections; ophthalmic infections.
›What is the Tobramycin dose for dogs?
For dogs, Tobramycin is typically dosed as follows — Severe gram-negative infections; ophthalmic infections: 2–6 mg/kg IV/IM/SC/topical ophthalmic TID (systemic); Q4–6H (ophthalmic). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Tobramycin dose for cats?
For cats, Tobramycin is typically dosed as follows — Severe gram-negative infections; ophthalmic infections: 2–5 mg/kg IV/IM/SC/topical ophthalmic TID (systemic); Q4–6H (ophthalmic). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Tobramycin?
Common: Nephrotoxicity, Local irritation (ophthalmic). Serious (call your vet immediately): Ototoxicity (vestibular and cochlear), Neuromuscular blockade, Acute renal failure.
›Does Tobramycin need a prescription?
Yes. Tobramycin is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Tobramycin not be used?
Do not use Tobramycin if: Known hypersensitivity to aminoglycosides.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

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