Teradox Eye Drop

Teradex Eye Drops is a sterile ophthalmic solution available in a 10 ml bottle. Each ml of the solution contains Tobramycin 3 mg (0.3% w/v) as the active ingredient, along with Benzalkonium Chloride 0.01% w/v as a preservative and sterile aqueous vehicle. The product is strictly for external ophthalmic use only and must not be injected or ingested. It is a broad-spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic used for the treatment of external bacterial infections of the eye. The product is packaged in a white rectangular box with a large pink rectangular panel in the center containing a graphic of a blue eye with a black pupil, with the brand name “Teradex” displayed prominently in bold black text, and “Tobramycin Ophthalmic Solution USP” printed above it.

Tobramycin is a water-soluble aminoglycoside antibiotic that works by binding irreversibly to the 30S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria, thereby inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. This binding causes misreading of the genetic code and the production of abnormal or incomplete proteins, ultimately leading to bacterial cell death. This bactericidal mechanism gives tobramycin a wide spectrum of activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including common eye pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, Proteus species, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The drug achieves good penetration into the cornea, aqueous humor, and ocular tissues, making it effective for both superficial and deeper ocular infections. Tobramycin is particularly effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a gram-negative organism that is a common cause of serious corneal ulcers, especially in contact lens wearers.

The primary indications for Teradex Eye Drops are the treatment of external bacterial infections of the eye, including bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye), blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids), and bacterial keratitis (corneal ulcers) caused by susceptible organisms. It is also indicated for the prophylaxis of post-operative eye infections following ophthalmic procedures such as cataract extraction and corneal surgery. The product is effective in reducing redness, swelling, discharge, pain, and irritation associated with these bacterial infections. It is not effective against viral or fungal eye infections and should not be used for these conditions. The product is intended for use in adults and children, though it should be used under medical supervision in pediatric patients.

The recommended dosage depends on the severity of the infection. For mild to moderate infections, 1 to 2 drops are instilled into the affected eye(s) every 4 to 6 hours. For severe infections, 1 to 2 drops may be instilled every 1 to 2 hours. The total treatment course typically lasts 7 to 14 days, or as directed by the ophthalmologist. It is essential to complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve before the course is finished, to prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and recurrence of infection. Stopping the medicine too early may lead to the infection returning or worsening. The product should only be used under the supervision of a qualified ophthalmologist.

The most common side effects (occurring in less than 3% of patients) include hypersensitivity reactions and localized ocular toxicity, including eyelid itching and swelling, and conjunctival erythema (redness). Other common side effects include mild burning or stinging sensation in the eye immediately upon instillation, temporary blurred vision, eye irritation, increased tearing, dry eye, and a foreign body sensation. These effects are generally mild and transient, resolving within a few minutes to a few days. Uncommon side effects may include punctate keratitis (small white spots on the cornea), eye pain, and mild headache.

Serious but rare side effects include severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue, difficulty breathing), Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, and anaphylactic reactions. Prolonged or inappropriate use may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi, leading to new or worsening eye infections. Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience severe eye pain, sudden vision changes, persistent redness or swelling, swelling of the face or throat, or signs of a severe allergic reaction.

Important precautions include not wearing contact lenses during treatment, as the infection itself and the preservative benzalkonium chloride can both damage the lenses. Benzalkonium chloride may cause punctate keratopathy and toxic ulcerative keratopathy with frequent or prolonged use, particularly in patients with dry eye. If using other eye medications simultaneously, a gap of at least 5 to 10 minutes should be maintained between different drops. Patients should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until their vision is clear after application, as temporary blurred vision is common. The product is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to tobramycin or any other aminoglycoside antibiotic. The product is not recommended during pregnancy as animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, though there are limited human data. It may pass into breast milk in small amounts, so use during breastfeeding should only be under medical supervision. The dropper tip should not be touched to the eye or any surface to maintain sterility. The product should not be used if the solution changes color or becomes cloudy.

The product should be stored at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight and kept out of reach of children. The bottle should be tightly closed after each use. The product is available in India at a price range of approximately 40 to 80 rupees per 10 ml bottle and is available through major online pharmacy platforms and offline pharmacies with a valid prescription.