Aminoglycoside antibiotics, Tobramycin, Gentamicin, Neomycin

👁 Ophthalmic Use of Aminoglycoside Antibiotics – Full Breakdown

Aminoglycosides are a classic class of antibiotics once widely used systemically,
but are now primarily used in ophthalmology as topical eye drops and ointments,
especially for external eye infections caused by Staphylococcus or Pseudomonas species.

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✅ Key Aminoglycoside Eye Drops

1. Tobramycin

• Most commonly used ophthalmic AGS
• Eye drops: Tobrex, Torabin, Okul
• Ointments: Tobrex, Torabin
• Combination with steroid (dexamethasone): Tobradex, Torabindex

2. Gentamicin

• Historical cornerstone drug
• Eye drop: Ocugenta
• Combination (fluorometholone): Digenta

3. Neomycin

• Only available in combination formulas
• Maxitrol (Neomycin + Polymyxin B + Dexamethasone)

 

 

 

 

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✅ Clinical Tips & Safety Notes

FeatureDetails

Spectrum	Staph, Pseudomonas
Systemic toxicity	Ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity (rare in eye drops)
Local side effects	Follicular conjunctivitis, rare allergies
Penetration	Poor corneal penetration (safe for anterior use)
Pediatric use	Proven to be safe