Nebcin

Generic Name: Tobramycin sulfate
Product Name: Nebcin

Indication

Nebcin is used to treat serious infections caused by bacteria. Nebcin is used to treat infection of the blood, meningitis, urinary tract infection, pneumonia, bronchitis, burns, and infection of gastrointestinal tract.

Action

Nebcin belongs to a group of drugs called aminoglycoside antibiotics. These antibiotics work by killing the bacteria causing the infection.

Dose advice

Dose information:

• Nebcin can be given directly into a vein via an infusion over a period of 20 to 60 minutes or as a deep injection into a large muscle.
• Your doctor will determine how often and how much Nebcin to be given depending on the severity of your infection. For most infections, Nebcin is usually given in divided doses throughout the day.
• Regular blood and urine samples should be performed while you are receiving Nebcin. This is to ensure that you are receiving the correct dose of Nebcin.

Contraindications:

Nebcin should not be used if you have known allergy to active ingredient of Nebcin, tobramycin

Precautions:

You must tell your doctor if you

• have or have had kidney problems
• have loss of hearing or hearing difficulties
• have muscular disorders such as muscle weakness
• have Parkinson’s disease
• are pregnant or intend to become pregnant
• are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed
• are taking any other medicines, including any that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop

Use in pregnancy (Category D):

Nebcin may affect your developing baby if you use it during pregnancy. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of using it during pregnancy.

Lactation:

Nebcin is not recommended while you are breast-feeding. Only consider Nebcin use during breast-feeding if the benefits outweigh the potential risks.

Schedule

Nebcin is schedule 4.

Common side effects

All medicines have side effects. Most commonly the side effects are minor, however some can be more serious. Usually the benefits of taking a medication outweigh the associated side effects. Your doctor would have considered these side effects before starting you on Nebcin.

Common side effects are those which occur in more than 1% of patients given Nebcin. These include:

• pain, swelling or red skin where you had the injection
• fever
• skin rash or itching
• headache
• signs of anaemia, such as tiredness, being short of breath and looking pale
• bruising more easily than normal
• confused state
• disorientation
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhoea

Uncommon side effects

Side effects which occur in less than 1% of patients given Nebcin are considered uncommon. Patients do not necessarily experience any of these side effects, so do not become alarmed by this list:

• kidney problems
• dizziness
• ringing in the ears
• hearing loss
• vertigo

If you experience any of the listed side effects, or any other symptoms which appear abnormal or unusual, please tell your doctor.

References

1. MIMS Online. Nebcin. 10 November 2000 [cited 2008 September 25]. Available from: [URL Link]

For further information talk to your doctor.