Gentamicin ophthalmic

Generic name: Gentamicin Ophthalmic
Drug class: Ophthalmic anti-infectives

Usage of Gentamicin ophthalmic

Gentamicin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria.

Gentamicin ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.

Gentamicin ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Gentamicin ophthalmic side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Gentamicin ophthalmic may cause serious side effects. Stop using gentamicin ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • severe burning, stinging, or irritation after using gentamicin ophthalmic; or
  • signs of eye infection--pain, swelling, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage, eyes more sensitive to light.

    • Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.

    This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

    Before taking Gentamicin ophthalmic

    You should not use gentamicin ophthalmic if you are allergic to gentamicin.

  • a viral or fungal infection in your eye.

    • It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

    It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

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    How to use Gentamicin ophthalmic

    Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

    Wash your hands before using eye medication.

    To apply the eye drops:

  • Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.
  • Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
  • Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed. If you use more than one drop, wait about 5 minutes between drops.
  • Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

    • Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

    To apply the ointment:

  • Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the ointment tube with the tip pointing toward this pocket. Look up and away from the tip.
  • Squeeze out a ribbon of ointment into the lower eyelid pocket without touching the tip of the tube to your eye. Blink your eye gently and then keep it closed for 1 or 2 minutes.
  • Use a tissue to wipe excess ointment from your eyelashes.
  • After opening your eyes, you may have blurred vision for a short time. Avoid driving or doing anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.

    • Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or ointment tube, or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper or tube tip can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

    Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Gentamicin ophthalmic will not treat a viral or fungal eye infection.

    Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use.

    Warnings

    Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

    What other drugs will affect Gentamicin ophthalmic

    Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

    Disclaimer

    Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

    The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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