Knoxville, TN
A 40-year-old female asked:

I have pink eye from my son. without insurance temporarily so i used old tobradex (tobramycin and dexamethasone) that expired last yr. can't afford to go to doc. will it work?

2 doctor answers5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Gwendolyn Cole-Hoover
37 years experience
Conjuctivitis: Tobradex (tobramycin and dexamethasone) contains a steroid medication. You can not use a steroid medication for an eye infection it can cause complications. You should apply for emergency medicaid. Some hospitals have programs for care for the uninsured. You can ask for this assistance when you register to be evaluated in the emergency room. You should not delay treatment for an eye infection.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. William Dieck
Ophthalmology 40 years experience
Not best choice: Tobradex (tobramycin and dexamethasone) contains dexamethasone, a steroid that can make some infections worse, while making the user actually feel better. It may be the wrong medicine to use in the case of a viral infection. There is also a chance that the potency of the medicine has diminished to the point if being ineffective..
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Aug 15, 2016

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