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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
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 →

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
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 →

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.
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 →

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.
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 →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Aminoglycoside antibiotic).

Amikacin
Rx
Bactericidal; binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit causing mRNA misreading and protein synthesis inhibition. Concentration-dependent killing. Active against many gram-negative bacteria including those resistant to gentamicin.
dogcat
Gentamicin
Rx
Binds irreversibly to the 30S ribosomal subunit, causing misreading of mRNA and bactericidal activity against gram-negative aerobes
dogcat
Gentamicin (Systemic)
Rx
Bactericidal; binds 30S ribosomal subunit causing mRNA misreading and protein synthesis inhibition. Concentration-dependent killing with significant post-antibiotic effect. Active against aerobic gram-negative bacteria including Pseudomonas.
dogcat
Neomycin
Rx
Bactericidal antibiotic that binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit, causing misreading of mRNA and inhibiting protein synthesis. Poorly absorbed from the GI tract after oral administration.
dogcat
Paromomycin
Rx
Aminoglycoside antibiotic poorly absorbed from GI tract, providing luminal antimicrobial activity against intestinal protozoa and bacteria. Binds 30S ribosomal subunit causing protein synthesis errors. Active against Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and Entamoeba.
dogcat
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