Gentamicin Ophthalmic (patient information)

Why this medication is prescribed
Gentamicin kills bacteria that cause certain eye infections.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How this medication should be used
Gentamicin comes as eyedrops and eye ointment. The eyedrops usually are applied every 4-8 hours; the eye ointment usually is applied two to four times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part that you do not understand. Use gentamicin exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

To use the eyedrops, follow these instructions:


 * 1) Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
 * 2) Use a mirror or have someone else put the drops in your eye.
 * 3) Remove the protective cap. Make sure that the end of the dropper is not chipped or cracked and that the eyedrops are clear (not cloudy).
 * 4) Avoid touching the dropper tip against your eye or anything else.
 * 5) Hold the dropper tip down at all times to prevent drops from flowing back into the bottle and contaminating the remaining contents.
 * 6) Lie down or tilt your head back.
 * 7) Holding the bottle between your thumb and index finger, place the dropper tip as near as possible to your eyelid without touching it.
 * 8) Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your cheek or nose.
 * 9) With the index finger of your other hand, pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket.
 * 10) Drop the prescribed number of drops into the pocket made by the lower lid and the eye. Placing drops on the surface of the eyeball can cause stinging.
 * 11) Close your eye and press lightly against the lower lid with your finger for 2-3 minutes to keep the medication in the eye. Do not blink.
 * 12) Replace and tighten the cap right away. Do not wipe or rinse it off.
 * 13) Wipe off any excess liquid from your cheek with a clean tissue. Wash your hands again.

To use the eye ointment, follow these instructions:


 * 1) Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
 * 2) Use a mirror or have someone else apply the ointment.
 * 3) Avoid touching the tip of the tube against your eye or anything else. The ointment must be kept clean.
 * 4) Tilt your head forward slightly.
 * 5) Holding the tube between your thumb and index finger, place the tube as near as possible to your eyelid without touching it.
 * 6) Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your cheek or nose.
 * 7) With the index finger of your other hand, pull the lower lid of your eye down to form a pocket.
 * 8) Place a small amount of ointment into the pocket made by the lower lid and the eye. A 1/2-inch strip of ointment usually is enough unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
 * 9) Gently close your eyes and keep them closed for 1-2 minutes to allow the medication to be absorbed.
 * 10) Replace and tighten the cap right away.
 * 11) Wipe off any excess ointment from your eyelids and lashes with a clean tissue. Wash your hands again.

Special precautions
Before using gentamicin eyedrops or eye ointment:


 * tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to gentamicin, other antibiotics, or any other drugs.
 * tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other eye medications, and vitamins.
 * tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using gentamicin, call your doctor immediately.
 * tell your doctor if you wear soft contact lenses. If the brand of gentamicin you are using contains benzalkonium chloride, wait at least 15 minutes after using the medicine to put in soft contact lenses.

What to do if you forget a dose
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Minor Side Effects
Gentamicin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:


 * eye irritation, burning, or stinging
 * swelling of the eye

Storage conditions needed for this medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

Other information
Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the gentamicin, call your doctor.

Brand names

 * Gentak®
 * Gentasol®
 * Ocu-Mycin®
 * Pred-G® Liquifilm®
 * Pred-G® S.O.P.®