Parenteral Manual

Tobramycin sulphate

Disclaimer: Official controlled document is the CHEO online copy. It is the responsibility of user to ensure that any paper copy version is the same as the online version before use.

Alternate Name(s): 
NEBCIN®
Classification: 
Antibiotic
Original Date: 
August 2005
Revised Date: 
March 2026
Indications: 
  • Aminoglycoside antibiotic for the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible bacteria (primarily gram negative)
  • Preferred for susceptible isolates of pseudomonas
Reconstitution and Stability: 
  • Available as 40 mg/mL solution
  • Stable at room temperature
  • Vial stable 28 days refrigerated once punctured
  • Solution stable 9 days refrigerated when diluted in 0.9% NaCl
Compatibility: 
  • Solutions Compatible: dextrose up to D10W, 0.9% NaCl, dextrose-saline combinations, ringer's solution, ringer's lactate
  • Additive/Above Cassette Compatible: no information
  • Y-site Compatible: fluconazole, heparin (0.5 - 1 unit/mL), morphine, KCl, TPN (amino acids/dextrose)
  • Incompatible: azithromycin, clindamycin, heparin (greater than 1 unit/mL), indomethacin, propofol; Do not mix with beta lactam antibiotics.  Flush line well between administration of beta lactams and aminoglycoside antibiotics.                              
Administration: 

(For approved routes of administration by nursing personnel, refer to Policy for the Administration of Intravenous Medications.)

SC NO
IM YES
Usual dilution: Undiluted (40 mg/mL)
IV Direct NO
IV Intermittent Infusion

YES
Usual dilution: 10 mg/mL

1 mg/mL for doses less than or equal to 10 mg
Infusion time: 30 minutes
IV Continuous Infusion NO

 

 

Dosage: 

(For neonatal dosages, refer to Neonatal IV Drug Manual.)

Pediatric/Adolescent:

  • Single daily dosing:  7 mg/kg IM/IV once daily. Maximum 600 mg if no previous levels
  • Traditional dosing:  7.5 mg/kg/day IM/IV ÷ Q 8 hours. Maximum 120 mg/dose if no previous levels
  • Combination therapy for synergy in selected infections: 3 mg/kg/day divided Q8H.  Maximum 80 mg/dose before levels
  • Cystic Fibrosis Patients:  10 mg/kg/dose IV daily. no MAX 

(dosage may be higher based on serum concentrations)

Dose interval adjustment in renal impairment with traditional dosing:

  • CrCl 40 - 60 mL/minute:  Administer Q 12 hours
  • CrCl 20 - 39 mL/minute:  Administer Q 24 hours
  • CrCl < 20 mL/minute:  Administer normal dose, then monitor levels

Adjust regimen based on serum concentrations  

Potential hazards of parenteral administration: 
  • Ototoxicity (dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss) - Associated with high peak levels following rapid IV bolus administration and cumulative exposure
  • Neurotoxicity (neuromuscular blockade) 
  • Nephrotoxicity - Associated with high trough levels
  • Local reactions at injection site, thrombophlebitis
  • Elevated liver enzymes
  • Hypomagnesemia
  • Hypersensitivity reactions                                       
Notes: 
  • Use with caution in patients with renal impairment, pre-existing auditory or vestibular impairment or neuromuscular disorders
  • Adverse effects potentiated by other ototoxic and nephrotoxic drugs
  • Apnea may result when combined with anesthetic or other neuromuscular blocking drugs
  • Maintain good hydration, baseline serum creatinine and repeat once weekly
  • An audiology consult is recommended if IV aminoglycoside therapy is expected to continue for 14 days. Repeat every 7 days if therapy continues. 
  • An infectious disease consult is required if IV aminoglycoside therapy is expected to continue beyond 7 days OR if C-max monitoring is required 

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring:

Single Daily Dosing

  • When checking level, administer next dose as scheduled.  Do not wait for levels to be reported unless otherwise advised. 
  • Initial level on Day 3 and repeat once weekly
    •  PRE: 0 - 30 min prior to next dose               
    •  Target = less than 2.0 mg/L

Traditional Dosing

  • Initial levels on Day 3 and repeat once weekly
    • PRE: 0 - 30 min prior to next dose
      • Target = Less than 2 mg/L
    • POST: 30 min after end of infusion
      • Target = 5-10 mg/L (may be higher in Cystic Fibrosis)

Combination therapy for synergy

  • Initial level on Day 3 and repeat once weekly
    • PRE: 0 - 30 minutes prior to next dose
      • Target = less than 0.3 mg/L

C-Max Monitoring (Cystic fibrosis, MDR bacteria)

  • CONSULT PHARMACY FOR CALCULATING C-MAX AND FOR DOSE ADJUSTMENTS
  • Draw 2 random tobramycin levels (at 3h and 6h after the end of infusion)
  • Target C-Max: 
    • Once daily dosing = 16-25 mg/L
    • Cystic Fibrosis = 25-35 mg/L

 

The information contained on this website is provided for informational purposes only, as a guide to assist physicians, nurses and other healthcare providers in deciding on the appropriate care required for a particular patient. At all times, physicians, nurses and other healthcare providers must exercise their independent clinical judgment, based on their knowledge, training and experience, taking into account the specific facts and circumstances of each patient, when deciding on the appropriate course of investigation and/or treatment to recommend in a particular clinical situation.

CHEO has made every effort to ensure that the information contained on this website is as current and accurate as possible. However, changes can occur due to ongoing research and the constant influx of new information. Where possible, hospitals and healthcare practitioners should verify the information before acting on it.

Reliance on any information in this website is at the user's own risk. CHEO is not responsible or liable for any harm, loss or other consequences from the use or misuse of the information on this website.