A patient with cystic fibrosis uses inhaled tobramycin [TOBI] 300 mg every 12 hours in repeated cycles of 4 weeks on and 4 weeks off. The patient reports hoarseness and tinnitus. The nurse will tell the patient that:
A) an intravenous form may be used to avoid hoarseness.
B) hearing loss may occur with continued use of the drug.
C) the provider will need to monitor renal function closely.
D) these are common side effects of this medication.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Inhaled tobramycin can cause tinnitus but does not cause hearing loss. Hoarseness is a common side effect. An intravenous aminoglycoside can cause hearing loss and is not used chronically for cystic fibrosis. Hearing loss will not occur with inhaled tobramycin. Inhaled tobramycin does not increase the risk of renal toxicity.

A Patient with Cystic Fibrosis Uses Inhaled Tobramycin [TOBI] 300