Obradex Ointment 0.1% / 0.3%

About Obradex Ointment 0.1% / 0.3%

Obradex Ointment Uses

• Bacterial eye infections with associated inflammation
• Inflammation after eye surgery, including cataract surgery
• Allergic conjunctivitis with significant swelling
• Inflammation following corneal injury where infection risk is present
• Blepharitis with bacterial involvement

Obradex Ointment Benefits

• Combines an antibiotic and a steroid in one ointment, reducing the need for two separate products
• Controls swelling and redness quickly due to the corticosteroid component
• Covers common bacteria involved in ocular surface infections
• Ointment form stays on the eye surface longer than drops, useful for nighttime use
• Helps lower the risk of scarring after eye injury or surgery

What Experts Say

Ophthalmologists prescribe combination antibiotic and steroid ointments like this one when an eye problem carries both an infection risk and a strong inflammatory component, such as after cataract surgery or during a severe allergic flare. The steroid controls swelling quickly, while the antibiotic covers the bacteria that a steroid alone could allow to grow unchecked.

Doctors keep these combination courses short, usually seven to ten days, and check eye pressure if treatment continues longer. This caution exists because the steroid component can raise intraocular pressure and slow corneal healing with extended use, effects that matter far more with a combination product than with a plain antibiotic drop.

Self-medicating with steroid containing eye ointments is common in Pakistan because many pharmacies sell them without checking for a prescription. Physicians see this pattern lead to delayed diagnosis of viral eye infections and, in some cases, steroid induced glaucoma, which is why a proper eye examination before starting this ointment matters.

Drug Class

• Corticosteroid (Dexamethasone)
• Aminoglycoside antibiotic (Tobramycin)
• Combination ophthalmic anti-infective and anti-inflammatory agent

Obradex Ointment 0.1% / 0.3% formula

• Dexamethasone + Tobramycin

Available forms

• Ointment

How to use Obradex Ointment 0.1% / 0.3%?

• Wash hands thoroughly before applying the ointment.
• Pull down the lower eyelid gently to form a small pocket.
• Apply a thin ribbon of ointment, about 1 to 1.5 centimeters, inside the lower eyelid.
• Close the eye gently for 1 to 2 minutes to let the ointment spread evenly.
• Avoid letting the tube tip touch the eye or eyelid to prevent contamination.
• Use at the exact frequency and duration your eye doctor prescribes, usually 3 to 4 times daily.
• Do not stop the course early even if symptoms improve, unless your doctor advises otherwise.

Drug Interactions

• Other Topical Eye Steroids: Using more than one steroid containing eye product at the same time raises the risk of increased eye pressure and cataract.
• Other Topical Aminoglycoside Antibiotics: Adding another aminoglycoside eye drop does not improve effect and can increase local irritation.
• Systemic Corticosteroids: Using oral or injectable steroids alongside this ointment can add to the overall steroid load and side effect risk, especially with prolonged use.

Risks and warnings

• Prolonged Use: Using this ointment for more than 10 days without medical review can raise eye pressure and increase cataract risk.
• Viral Eye Infections: Should not be used for herpes simplex keratitis or other viral eye infections since the steroid component can worsen the condition.
• Delayed Healing: May slow corneal wound healing after eye injury or surgery.
• Masking Infection: The steroid can hide signs of a worsening infection, so any increase in pain, redness, or vision change needs prompt medical review.
• Contact Lenses: Contact lenses should not be worn during treatment with this ointment.

Obradex Ointment Side Effects

• Temporary blurred vision right after application
• Mild stinging or burning sensation
• Eye irritation or itching
• Watery eyes
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Raised intraocular pressure with prolonged use
• Cataract formation with repeated or extended use
• Delayed wound healing
• Secondary eye infection, including fungal infection, with extended use
• Allergic reaction with swelling, rash, or severe itching around the eye

Storage Conditions

• Store below 25°C, away from direct heat and sunlight.
• Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use.
• Avoid freezing the ointment.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Discard the tube 4 weeks after opening, even if ointment remains.