Tobi Podhaler inhalation Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

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# Tobi Podhaler (inhalation)

Generic name: tobramycin (inhalation) [ toe-bra-MY-sin ]
Brand names: Bethkis, Kitabis Pak, Tobi, Tobi Podhaler
Drug classes: Aminoglycosides, Inhaled anti-infectives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 26, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

## What is Tobi Podhaler?

Tobi Podhaler is an antibiotic that is inhaled into the lungs using a nebulizer. This medicine inhalation is used to treat lung infections in patients with cystic fibrosis.

Tobi Podhaler is for use in adults and children who are at least 6 years old.

Tobi Podhaler may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

## Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

## Before taking this medicine

You should not use Tobi Podhaler if you are allergic to Tobi Podhaler or similar antibiotics (amikacin, gentamicin, kanamycin, neomycin, paromomycin, streptomycin).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

- hearing problems;

- breathing problems (cough, wheezing, chest tightness);

- dizzy spells;

- a neuromuscular disease such as myasthenia gravis or Parkinson's disease; or

- kidney disease.

It is not known whether Tobi Podhaler will harm an unborn baby. However, a medicine similar to this medicine caused irreversible hearing damage in babies whose mothers took that medicine during pregnancy.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Having cystic fibrosis during pregnancy may increase the risk of premature birth. The benefit of treating cystic fibrosis may outweigh any risks to the baby.

If you breastfeed while using Tobi Podhaler, watch the baby for signs of diarrhea, blood in the stools, or a fungal diaper rash with white patches on the skin.

Tobi Podhaler is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.

## Related/similar drugs

amoxicillin, doxycycline, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, cephalexin, Zithromax

## How should I use Tobi Podhaler?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Tobi Podhaler is inhaled into the lungs with the use of a nebulizer or an inhaler device. Do not swallow the medicine by mouth.

Use only the inhaler device provided with your medicine.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Tobi Podhaler is given in a treatment cycle of 28 days on and 28 days off. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully. Keep using this medicine on this schedule, even if you feel fine.

Use your doses at regular intervals of 12 hours apart but not less than 6 hours apart.

If you use other inhaled medicines, or if you perform chest physiotherapy to remove mucus from the lungs, use these other treatments first before using your Tobi Podhaler dose.

Do not use Tobi Podhaler solution if it looks cloudy or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Store Tobi Podhaler ampules in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit (2 and 8 degrees Celsius).

If refrigeration is not available, store the ampules at cool room temperature for up to 28 days. Protect from light. The solution may become darker in color at room temperature, but this should not affect the quality of the medicine.

Store Tobi Podhaler capsules in their original blister pack at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Remove a Tobi Podhaler capsule from the blister pack only when you are ready to load it into your inhaler device.

Detailed TOBI Podhaler dosage information

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if your next dose is due in less than 6 hours. Do not use two doses at one time.

## What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

## What should I avoid while using Tobi Podhaler?

Do not mix Tobi Podhaler solution with dornase alfa (Pulmozyme) in the nebulizer.

## Tobi Podhaler side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tobi Podhaler may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

- new or worsening breathing problems, such as wheezing, cough, chest tightness, or trouble breathing;

- hearing problems, ringing in your ears;

- hoarse voice;

- severe dizziness, spinning sensation, balance problems;

- weak or shallow breathing;

- muscle weakness; or

- kidney problems--little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.

Common side effects of Tobi Podhaler may include:

- cough, sore throat, hoarse voice;

- feeling short of breath;

- noisy breathing;

- worsening of lung problems or cystic fibrosis;

- coughing up mucus or blood;

- altered sense of taste;

- fever;

- headache; or

- rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

TOBI Podhaler side effects (more detail)

## What other drugs will affect Tobi Podhaler?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

- urea;

- a diuretic or "water pill"--furosemide, Lasix, ethacrynic acid, and others;

- Tobi Podhaler or similar medicines (taken by mouth or injected)--amikacin, kanamycin, neomycin, paromomycin, plazomicin, streptomycin; or

- other medicine that may harm your kidneys, hearing, or nervous system--certain medicines for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, bowel disorders, high blood pressure, or pain or arthritis (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Tobi Podhaler, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

TOBI Podhaler drug interactions (more detail)

## Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

## More about TOBI Podhaler (tobramycin)

- Check interactions
- Pricing & coupons
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- FDA approval history
- Drug class: aminoglycosides
- Breastfeeding
- En español

### Patient resources

- Advanced Reading

#### Other brands

Tobi, Bethkis, Nebcin, Kitabis Pak

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information

### Related treatment guides

- Bacterial Infection
- Cystic Fibrosis

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 7.02.