Nebulized Tobramycin HF#4714

  

Use of this Medicine

 

Tobramycin is used to treat lung infections caused by Pseudomonas, a bacteria.

 

Dose

 

The dose is 80 mg twice a day by nebulization.  Each vial contains 80 mg.

 

Supplies needed for one month of treatment

 

• 30 Tobramycin in 80 mg vials
• 100 sodium chloride packets (0.9% saline)
• 1 box (100) syringes with needles
• 1 box alcohol wipes
• 1 needle disposal box

 

How do I prepare the tobramycin?

 

Tobramycin comes in small vials.  Store the unused vials at room temperature. 

 

1. Wipe off the top of the tobramycin vial with an alcohol wipe.
2. Use a needle and syringe to draw up ___mL of tobramycin and add it to the nebulizer cup.
3. Squeeze about 3 mL of normal saline into the nebulizer cup with the tobramycin.
4. Use a new needle and syringe for every treatment.  Do not touch the needle to anything other than the tops of the medicine vials.  If you do, throw it away and use a new one.  Place used needles in a needle box and return the box, when full, to the clinic where you got your supplies.

 

How do I do the nebulizer treatment?

 

 

1. Attach one end of the smooth tubing to the air compressor and the opposite end to the nebulizer.  Turn the air compressor on.  A fine mist should be visible.  If not, make sure the compressor is working by disconnecting the smooth tubing.  Feel for air coming from the compressor.  If the compressor is working properly, check all connections. If the nebulizer is still not misting, use a different nebulizer kit.
2. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth.  Some small children use a mask over the mouth and nose rather than a mouthpiece.
3. Take slow, deep, even breaths through your mouth.  Make sure the medicine cup is kept upright.
4. Continue the treatment until the medicine is finished (no mist comes out).  If the medicine sticks to the side of the cup, gently tap the sides of the cup.
5. After the treatment is over, take the medicine cup apart and allow it to air dry on a paper towel.

 

How often are treatments done?

 

Treatments are scheduled twice daily.  If you have a bronchodilator inhaler, use it before you do the treatment.  Your infection should improve or remain stable as you continue the treatment.  If your infection does not improve or if it gets worse, call your doctor.

 

Are there any side effects?

 

Some people have

• shortness of breath
• increased coughing
• changes in hearing
• skin rash or hives

If any of these symptoms occur, call your doctor.

 

How Do I Clean and Disinfect My Nebulizer?

 

Daily cleaning and disinfecting of your TOBI nebulizer is extremely important in preventing infection and keeping the nebulizer working well.

 

Dishwasher Cleaning

1. Take the nebulizer apart.
2. Place the pieces in a dishwasher basket on the top rack of the dishwasher.
3. After the dishwasher cycle is done, remove the pieces and shake out the extra water.
4. Air-dry the nebulizer pieces on a dry paper towel. 

 

Hand Cleaning

 

If you would prefer not to clean and disinfect your nebulizer using the dishwasher, select one of the choices below.

 

The reservoir tubing (pleated tube) cannot be placed in the dishwasher.  This piece needs to be cleaned according to the “hand cleaning” directions.

 

Rubbing Alcohol

• Take the nebulizer apart and wash the pieces in warm soapy water.
• Rinse with hot tap water.
• Place the nebulizer pieces in a bowl and add enough rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) to completely cover the equipment.
• Soak the nebulizer for 5 minutes.
• Rinse all of the parts of the nebulizer with sterile water.  DO NOT USE WATER FROM THE FAUCET, BOTTLED, OR DISTILLED WATER.  You can make water sterile by boiling it for 5 minutes.  Use this water once, and then throw it out.
• Place the pieces on a paper towel to dry.

 

Microwaving

• Take the nebulizer apart and wash the pieces in warm soapy water.
• Rinse with hot water.
• Place nebulizer pieces in a bowl, add water to cover.
• Microwave for 5 minutes.
• Air dry on a clean paper towel.

 

Equipment

 

If you have questions or need more supplies, contact UW Home Health at (608) 203-2273.

 

 

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 02/27/2013

Copyright © 02/27/2013 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#4714

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