Abstract

Tobramycin (TOBI or TOBI PODHALER) in ventilator associated pneumonia: an overview

Author(s): Dhilleswara Rao Vana*

Despite the fact that Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) has a high death rate, it is not yet defined very well. Mortality in patients with lung injury on mechanical ventilation is estimated as 24% in persons 15-19 years and 60% in patients 85 years or older. Very few studies have reported the use of tobramycin (TOBI® or Tobi Podhaler®) in VAP management. However, the use of such antibiotics to treat VAP is equivocal and no clinical evidences reported. Tobi Podhaler® contains active substance of tobramycin, which is available as capsules (28 mg). Tobi Podhaler® can be used as a hand-held device which suppresses the chronic lung infections caused by P. aeruginosa in patients aged >6 years. The recommended dose is four capsules twice a day in adults and children older than 6 years of age. It can be also used to treat Cystic Fibrosis (CF). This review highlights the advantages of treatment with TOBI (Tobi Podhaler®) in VAP patients and also a note on inhaled antibiotics in management of chronic respiratory infections.