Raw research findings for this medication. Mostly single studies, not curated or confirmed robust.
Tobramycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that binds bacterial ribosomes and makes them misread genetic instructions. It is especially active against Pseudomonas: given by drip for serious infections, inhaled (TOBI) for lung infections in cystic fibrosis, and as eye drops (Tobrex). Blood levels are monitored to protect the kidneys and hearing.
The key gene is MT-RNR1, in the DNA of mitochondria, inherited from the mother. Variants such as m.1555A>G (rs267606617) make aminoglycosides bind the mitochondrial ribosome and can cause permanent hearing loss. CPIC has published a guideline on MT-RNR1 and aminoglycosides, and the US FDA lists the pair. Most consumer DNA chips do not read these mitochondrial positions reliably.
Clinical guidelines that name a gene for Tobramycin. They sort people into groups by the gene copies they carry.
US FDA: MT-RNR1. increased risk of aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss. 2023.
Every published finding on gene variants and Tobramycin. Upload your DNA file to see which of these rows apply to you.
PharmGKB weighs all studies of a variant and rates how strong the evidence is, from 1A (strongest) to 4.
MT-RNR1 rs267606617: Level 1A · replicated. Toxicity: Ototoxicity. 5.
MT-RNR1 rs267606619: Level 1A · replicated. Toxicity: Ototoxicity. 1.
Study findings and evidence levels: PharmGKB (CC BY-SA 4.0). Guidelines: CPIC and DPWG, as bundled in PharmCAT. Most studies were done mainly in people of European ancestry.
More drugs from the same category
Aminoglycosides (class) (Aminoglycosides)
Not a prescribing recommendation. This page is educational information about pharmacogenomic research and clinical guidelines - it is not medical or dosing advice, and not a prediction of how any medication will work for you. Never start, stop, or change a medication or dose based on it; talk to your doctor or pharmacist, who can order clinical-grade testing if appropriate.
Content updated September 2026.
ReadYourDNA provides educational interpretation of DNA data you already have. It is not diagnostic, not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to a clinician before acting on any result.
Raw DNA Data Reports for 23andMe & AncestryDNA · About ReadYourDNA · FAQ · Methodology & Science · Pricing · Support and complaints · Legal & Contact · Health Traits · Pharmacogenomics · Carrier Status · Variant Explorer · The Human Karyotype · Privacy Policy · Terms of Service · Accessibility · Consumer Health Data Privacy · Your Privacy Choices · Editorial Standards · Your Data, Checkable · Sample Report · ReadYourDNA and Promethease compared · What is inside a 23andMe raw data file · What is inside an AncestryDNA raw data file · What a chatbot can and cannot do with your raw DNA file · Where a raw DNA file can still be uploaded in 2026
Written, maintained and operated by Martin Pechhacker, sole proprietor, Vienna, Austria. Trade register GISA 40064420. support@readyourdna.com