Tobramycin

Tobramycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic derived from Streptomyces tenebrarius and used to treat various types of bacteria infections, particularly Gram-negative infections. It is especially effective against species of Pseudomonas. It works by binding to a site on bacterial 30S and 50S ribosome, preventing formation of the 70S complex. As a result, mRNA cannot be translated into protein and cell death ensues. Tobramycin is preferred over gentamicin for Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia due to better lung penetration.

Tobramycin is used in the treatment of superficial infections of the eye, such as bacterial conjunctivitis. Tobramycin is also indicated for gram-negative infections like meningitis in neonates, brucellosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, Yersinia pestis infection (plague). Its used as an antimicrobial.

Mode of action: Binds to 70S ribosomal subunit, inhibits translocation, and hence elicits miscoding.
Spectrum of activity: Gram negative bacteria.

Soluble in water (50 mg/ml).