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General MedicationsINTRAVENOUSBlack Box

Tobramycin

TOBRAMYCIN SULFATE

Standard Dose
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: This package insert labeling is for a Pharmacy Bulk Package and is intended for preparing intravenous admixtures only. Dosage recommendations and/or references for the intramuscular route of administration are for informational purposes only. Tobramycin Injection, USP may be given intramuscularly or intravenously. Recommended dosages are the same for both routes. The patient's pretreatment body weight should be obtained for calculation of correct dosage. It is desirable to measure both peak and trough serum concentrations (see WARNINGS box and PRECAUTIONS ). Administration for Patients with Normal Renal Function Adults with Serious Infections: 3 mg/kg/day in 3 equal doses every 8 hours (see Table 3 ). Adults with Life-Threatening Infections: Up to 5 mg/kg/day may be administered in 3 or 4 equal doses (see Table 3 ). The dosage should be reduced to 3 mg/kg/day as soon as clinically indicated. To prevent increased toxicity due to excessive blood levels, dosage should not exceed 5 mg/kg/day unless serum levels are monitored (see WARNINGS box and PRECAUTIONS ). Table 3. DOSAGE SCHEDULE GUIDE FOR TOBRAMYCIN INJECTION, USP IN ADULTS WITH NORMAL RENAL FUNCTION (Dosage at 8-Hour Intervals) *Applicable to all product forms except Tobramycin Injection, USP, 10 mg/mL (Pediatric ). For Patient Weighing Usual Dose for Serious Infections kg lb 1 mg/kg q8h (Total, 3 mg/kg/day) mg/dose mL/dose* q8h 120 264 120 mg 3 mL 115 253 115 mg 2.9 mL 110 242 110 mg 2.75 mL 105 231 105 mg 2.6 mL 100 220 100 mg 2.5 mL 95 209 95 mg 2.4 mL 90 198 90 mg 2.25 mL 85 187 85 mg 2.1 mL 80 176 80 mg 2 mL 75 165 75 mg 1.9 mL 70 154 70 mg 1.75 mL 65 143 65 mg 1.6 mL 60 132 60 mg 1.5 mL 55 121 55 mg 1.4 mL 50 110 50 mg 1.25 mL 45 99 45 mg 1.1 mL 40 88 40 mg 1 mL For Patient Weighing Maximum Dose for Life- Threatening Infections (Reduce as soon as possible) kg lb 1.66 mg/kg q8h (Total, 5 mg/kg/day) mg/dose mL/dose* q8h 120 264 200 mg 5 mL 115 253 191 mg 4.75 mL 110 242 183 mg 4.5 mL 105 231 175 mg 4.4 mL 100 220 166 mg 4.2 mL 95 209 158 mg 4 mL 90 198 150 mg 3.75 mL 85 187 141 mg 3.5 mL 80 176 133 mg 3.3 mL 75 165 125 mg 3.1 mL 70 154 116 mg 2.9 mL 65 143 108 mg 2.7 mL 60 132 100 mg 2.5 mL 55 121 91 mg 2.25 mL 50 110 83 mg 2.1 mL 45 99 75 mg 1.9 mL 40 88 66 mg 1.6 mL Pediatric Patients (Greater Than 1 Week of Age): 6 to 7.5 mg/kg/day in 3 or 4 equally divided doses (2 to 2.5 mg/kg every 8 hours or 1.5 to 1.89 mg/kg every 6 hours). Premature or Full-Term Neonates 1 Week of Age or Less: Up to 4 mg/kg/day may be administered in 2 equal doses every 12 hours. It is desirable to limit treatment to a short term. The usual duration of treatment is 7 to 10 days. A longer course of therapy may be necessary in difficult and complicated infections. In such cases, monitoring of renal, auditory, and vestibular functions is advised, because neurotoxicity is more likely to occur when treatment is extended longer than 10 days. Dosage in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis In patients with cystic fibrosis, altered pharmacokinetics may result in reduced serum concentrations of aminoglycosides. Measurement of tobramycin serum concentration during treatment is especially important as a basis for determining appropriate dose. In patients with severe cystic fibrosis, an initial dosing regimen of 10 mg/kg/day in 4 equally divided doses is recommended. This dosing regimen is suggested only as a guide. The serum levels of tobramycin should be measured directly during treatment due to wide interpatient variability. Administration for Patients with Impaired Renal Function Whenever possible, serum tobramycin concentrations should be monitored during therapy. Following a loading dose of 1 mg/kg, subsequent dosage in these patients must be adjusted, either with reduced doses administered at 8-hour intervals or with normal doses given at prolonged intervals. Both of these methods are suggested as guides to be used when serum levels of tobramycin cannot be measured directly. They are based on either the creatinine clearance or the serum creatinine of the patient, because these values correlate with the half-life of tobramycin. The dosage schedules derived from either method should be used in conjunction with careful clinical and laboratory observations of the patient and should be modified as necessary. Neither method should be used when dialysis is being performed. Reduced Dosage at 8-hour Intervals — When the creatinine clearance rate is 70 mL or less per minute or when the serum creatinine value is known, the amount of the reduced dose can be determined by multiplying the normal dose from Table 3 by the percent of normal dose from the accompanying nomogram. An alternate rough guide for determining reduced dosage at 8-hour intervals (for patients whose steady-state serum creatinine values are known) is to divide the normally recommended dose by the patient's serum creatinine. * Scales have been adjusted to facilitate dosage calculations. Normal Dosage at Prolonged Intervals — If the creatinine clearance rate is not available and the patient's condition is stable, a dosage frequency in hours for the dosage given in Table 3 can be determined by multiplying the patient's serum creatinine by 6. tobra-fig-01.jpg Dosage in Obese Patients The appropriate dose may be calculated by using the patient's estimated lean body weight plus 40% of the excess as the basic weight on which to figure mg/kg. Intravenous Administration For intravenous administration, the usual volume of diluent (0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection or 5% Dextrose Injection) is 50 to 100 mL for adult doses. For pediatric patients, the volume of diluent should be proportionately less than for adults. The diluted solution usually should be infused over a period of 20 to 60 minutes. Infusion periods of less than 20 minutes are not recommended because peak serum levels may exceed 12 mcg/mL (see WARNINGS box). Tobramycin Injection, USP should not be physically premixed with other drugs but should be administered separately according to the recommended dose and route. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Directions for Proper Use of Pharmacy Bulk Package Use Aseptic Technique - Not for Direct Infusion The pharmacy bulk package is for use in a Pharmacy Admixture Service only. 1. For hanger use, grasp portion of the bottle label marked "LIFT HERE". Peel the laminated film (sling) away from the printed portion of the pressure sensitive label. Invert bottle and pull sling over the base of the bottle. Hang bottle using sling portion of the label. 2. During use, container must be stored and all manipulations performed in an appropriate laminar flow hood. 3. Remove cover from container and cleanse closure with antiseptic. 4. A single entry through the vial closure should be made with a sterile dispensing set which allows measured dispensing of the contents. Transfer individual dose(s) to appropriate intravenous infusion solutions without delay. Use of a syringe with needle is not recommended as it may cause leakage. Multiple entries will also increase the potential of microbial and particulate contamination. The above process should be carried out under a laminar flow hood using aseptic technique. ANY UNUSED PORTION MUST BE DISCARDED WITHIN 4 HOURS. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.
Max Dose
See official label
Primary Use
INDICATIONS AND USAGE: Tobramycin is indicated for the treatment of serious bacterial infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms in the diseases listed below: Septicemia in the neonate, child, and adult caused by P.
Summary

Indications and usage INDICATIONS AND USAGE: Tobramycin is indicated for the treatment of serious bacterial infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms in the diseases listed below: Septicemia in the neonate, child, and adult caused by P. aeruginosa , E. coli , and Klebsiella sp.

Lower respiratory tract infections caused by P. aeruginos a, Klebsiella sp, Enterobacter sp, Serratia sp, E. coli , and S. aureus (penicillinase- and non-penicillinase-producing strains).

Structured Monograph

Clinical summary

Indications and usage INDICATIONS AND USAGE: Tobramycin is indicated for the treatment of serious bacterial infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms in the diseases listed below: Septicemia in the neonate, child, and adult caused by P. aeruginosa , E. coli , and Klebsiella sp. Lower respiratory tract infections caused by P. aeruginos a, Klebsiella sp, Enterobacter sp, Serratia sp, E. coli , and S. aureus (penicillinase- and non-penicillinase-producing strains). Serious central-nervous-system infections (meningitis) caused by susceptible organisms. Intra-abdominal infections, including peritonitis, caused by E. coli , Klebsiella sp, and Enterobacter sp. Skin, bone, and skin-structure infections caused by P. aeruginosa , Proteus sp, E. coli , Klebsiella sp, Enterobacter sp, and S. aureus. Complicated and recurrent urinary tract infections caused by P. aeruginosa , Proteus sp (indole-positive and indole-negative), E. coli , Klebsiella sp, Enterobacter sp, Serratia sp, S. aureus , Providencia sp, and Citrobacter sp. Aminoglycosides, including tobramycin sulfate, are not indicated in uncomplicated initial episodes of urinary tract infections unless the causative organisms are not susceptible to antibiotics having less potential toxicity. Tobramycin may be considered in serious staphylococcal infections when penicillin or other potentially less toxic drugs are contraindicated and when bacterial susceptibility testing and clinical judgment indicate its use. Bacterial cultures should be obtained prior to and during treatment to isolate and identify etiologic organisms and to test their susceptibility to tobramycin. If susceptibility tests show that the causative organisms are resistant to tobramycin, other appropriate therapy should be instituted. In patients in whom a serious life-threatening gram-negative infection is suspected, including those in whom concurrent therapy with a penicillin or cephalosporin and an aminoglycoside may be indicated, treatment with tobramycin sulfate may be initiated before the results of susceptibility studies are obtained. The decision to continue therapy with tobramycin should be based on the results of susceptibility studies, the severity of the infection, and the important additional concepts discussed in the WARNINGS box above. To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of tobramycin and other antibacterial drugs, tobramycin should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antimicrobial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy. Dosage and administration DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: This package insert labeling is for a Pharmacy Bulk Package and is intended for preparing intravenous admixtures only. Dosage recommendations and/or references for the intramuscular route of administration are for informational purposes only. Tobramycin Injection, USP may be given intramuscularly or intravenously. Recommended dosages are the same for both routes. The patient's pretreatment body weight should be obtained for calculation of correct dosage. It is desirable to measure both peak and trough serum concentrations (see WARNINGS box and PRECAUTIONS ). Administration for Patients with Normal Renal Function Adults with Serious Infections: 3 mg/kg/day in 3 equal doses every 8 hours (see Table 3 ). Adults with Life-Threatening Infections: Up to 5 mg/kg/day may be administered in 3 or 4 equal doses (see Table 3 ). The dosage should be reduced to 3 mg/kg/day as soon as clinically indicated. To prevent increased toxicity due to excessive blood levels, dosage should not exceed 5 mg/kg/day unless serum levels are monitored (see WARNINGS box and PRECAUTIONS ). Table 3. DOSAGE SCHEDULE GUIDE FOR TOBRAMYCIN INJECTION, USP IN ADULTS WITH NORMAL RENAL FUNCTION (Dosage at 8-Hour Intervals) *Applicable to all product forms except Tobramycin Injection, USP, 10 mg/mL (Pediatric ). For Patient Weighing Usual Dose for Serious Infections kg lb 1 mg/kg q8h (Total, 3 mg/kg/day) mg/dose mL/dose* q8h 120 264 120 mg 3 mL 115 253 115 mg 2.9 mL 110 242 110 mg 2.75 mL 105 231 105 mg 2.6 mL 100 220 100 mg 2.5 mL 95 209 95 mg 2.4 mL 90 198 90 mg 2.25 mL 85 187 85 mg 2.1 mL 80 176 80 mg 2 mL 75 165 75 mg 1.9 mL 70 154 70 mg 1.75 mL 65 143 65 mg 1.6 mL 60 132 60 mg 1.5 mL 55 121 55 mg 1.4 mL 50 110 50 mg 1.25 mL 45 99 45 mg 1.1 mL 40 88 40 mg 1 mL For Patient Weighing Maximum Dose for Life- Threatening Infections (Reduce as soon as possible) kg lb 1.66 mg/kg q8h (Total, 5 mg/kg/day) mg/dose mL/dose* q8h 120 264 200 mg 5 mL 115 253 191 mg 4.75 mL 110 242 183 mg 4.5 mL 105 231 175 mg 4.4 mL 100 220 166 mg 4.2 mL 95 209 158 mg 4 mL 90 198 150 mg 3.75 mL 85 187 141 mg 3.5 mL 80 176

Boxed Warning

WARNINGS Patients treated with Tobramycin Injection, USP and other aminoglycosides should be under close clinical observation, because these drugs have an inherent potential for causing ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Neurotoxicity, manifested as both auditory and vestibular ototoxicity, can occur. The auditory changes are irreversible, are usually bilateral, and may be partial or total. Eighth-nerve impairment and nephrotoxicity may develop, primarily in patients having pre-existing renal damage and in those with normal renal function to whom aminoglycosides are administered for longer periods or in higher doses than those recommended. Other manifestations of neurotoxicity may include numbness, skin tingling, muscle twitching, and convulsions. The risk of aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss increases with the degree of exposure to either high peak or high trough serum concentrations. Patients who develop cochlear damage may not have symptoms during therapy to warn them of eighth-nerve toxicity, and partial or total irreversible bilateral deafness may continue to develop after the drug has been discontinued. Rarely, nephrotoxicity may not become apparent until the first few days after cessation of therapy. Aminoglycoside-induced nephrotoxicity usually is reversible. Renal and eighth-nerve function should be closely monitored in patients with known or suspected renal impairment and also in those whose renal function is initially normal but who develop signs of renal dysfunction during therapy. Peak and trough serum concentrations of aminoglycosides should be monitored periodically during therapy to assure adequate levels and to avoid potentially toxic levels. Prolonged serum concentrations above 12 mcg/mL should be avoided. Rising trough levels (above 2 mcg/mL) may indicate tissue accumulation. Such accumulation, excessive peak concentrations, advanced age, and cumulative dose may contribute to ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity (see PRECAUTIONS ). Urine should be examined for decreased specific gravity and increased excretion of protein, cells, and casts. Blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and creatinine clearance should be measured periodically. When feasible, it is recommended that serial audiograms be obtained in patients old enough to be tested, particularly high-risk patients. Evidence of impairment of renal, vestibular, or auditory function requires discontinuation of the drug or dosage adjustment. Tobramycin should be used with caution in premature and neonatal infants because of their renal immaturity and the resulting prolongation of serum half-life of the drug. Concurrent and sequential use of other neurotoxic and/or nephrotoxic antibiotics, particularly other aminoglycosides (e.g., amikacin, streptomycin, neomycin, kanamycin, gentamicin, and paromomycin), cephaloridine, viomycin, polymyxin B, colistin, cisplatin, and vancomycin, should be avoided. Other factors that may increase patient risk are advanced age and dehydration. Aminoglycosides should not be given concurrently with potent diuretics, such as ethacrynic acid and furosemide. Some diuretics themselves cause ototoxicity, and intravenously administered diuretics enhance aminoglycoside toxicity by altering antibiotic concentrations in serum and tissue. Aminoglycosides can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman (see PRECAUTIONS ).

Monitoring

  • WARNINGS: See WARNINGS box above.
  • This product contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions, including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes, in certain susceptible people.
  • The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown and probably low.
  • Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than in nonasthmatic people.

Interaction Notes

  • Review official label interaction section.
Tobramycin (TOBRAMYCIN SULFATE) | Drug Monograph | MedicHelpline