ABSTRACT

To report the severe uveitic reaction that occurred due to inadvertent substitution of Tobrex for Tobradex in two post-cataract surgery cases. Tobramycine 0.03%- dexamethasone 0.01% (Tobradex, Alcon, USA) fixed combination was prescribed to two different patients who had uneventful phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in our clinic. The patients were asked to come for control visit on the 5th postoperative day and severe anterior chamber reaction was observed in both cases. When interrogating the patients, it was found out that Tobrex eye drops were used, because they had been inadvertently substituted for Tobradex eye drops in the pharmacy. Total recovery was achieved with administration of dexamethasone 0.01% eye drops in both cases. When prescribing drugs that might have similar names, patients should be advised to check the drugs they receive. Additionally, to avoid undesired events, drug representatives and pharmacists should also be warned about this subject. (Turk J Ophthalmol 2011; 41: 57-9)