Inhaled tobramycin improves lung function and bacterial density associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in patients with cystic fibrosis

Tobramycin solution for inhalation (TSI) is specifically formulated for nebulisation to effectively deliver tobramycin to the lungs, while maintaining low serum concentrations of the drug, thus reducing the risk of systemic toxicity. It is approved for the management of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in patients with cystic fibrosis. Intermittent treatment with TSI improved lung function and reduced sputum P. aeruginosa density relative to placebo in well designed trials in patients (aged ≥6 years) with cystic fibrosis. TSI also reduced P. aeruginosa density in the lower airways of patients aged <6 years with early bacterial colonisation. In clinical trials, the drug was generally well tolerated, did not cause nephrotoxicity or ototoxicity, and was associated with a rate of transient bronchospasm similar to that with placebo. © 2004 Adis Data Information BV. All rights reserved.