What is Gentak?
Gentamicin, an antibacterial, is used to fight bacteria. Gentak (for eyes) is used for treating bacterial infections in the eyes. Gentak can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Gentak
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
Gentak can cause serious side effects. Gentak should be stopped immediately, and you should consult your doctor if:
- Gentak can cause severe irritation, burning, or stinging.
- Signs of an eye infection include pain, swelling, discomfort, crusting, drainage, or increased sensitivity to light.
You may experience less serious side effects or none at all. There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
Please read all the instructions on the label or package of your medication. Inform your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, your allergies, and the medicines you are using.
Similar/related drugs
Ciprofloxacin for ophthalmic use, The ophthalmic form of azithromycin, levofloxacin for ophthalmic use, Erythromycin for ophthalmic, Gentamicin Ophthalmic
Before you take this drug
Gentak should not be used if you have an allergy to gentamicin.
- A viral or fungal infection in your eye.
This medicine is not known to harm a baby in utero. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Breast-feeding may not be possible while taking this medication. You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks.
How to take Gentak?
Read and heed all instructions or guides included with your medication. Follow the directions on the label. Before using eye medications, wash your hands.
How to apply eye drops
- To form a pocket, tilt your head slightly back and pull down on your lower eyelid to form an indentation; ensure the tip of the dropper points downward.n. Squeeze out a few drops by looking up and away.
- Close your eyes without blinking, squinting, or moving your head. Press your finger gently on the inside corner for 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down into your tear duct.
- Only use the drops prescribed by your doctor. Wait 5 minutes in between each drop if you are using more than one.
- You should wait at least 10 minutes after using the eye drops prescribed by your doctor before you use any other eye drops.
If the liquid is discolored or contains particles, do not use it. For new medication, call your pharmacist.
How to apply the ointment
- Create a pocket by tilting your head slightly back and pulling down your lower eyelid. The tip of the tube should be pointing towards this pocket. Focus your attention upwards and away from the tip.
- Squeeze a small amount of ointment onto the lower eyelid without touching the tip of your eye. Blink gently, then close your eyes for a minute or two.
- Wipe off any excess ointment with a tissue.
- You may experience blurred vision after opening your eyes for a few seconds. Avoid driving and doing other activities that require you to have clear vision.
Avoid touching the tip of an eye dropper, ointment, or tube directly or placing it on your eye. The tip of a contaminated tube or dropper can cause serious vision problems. Even if you feel better quickly, continue to take this medication for the entire prescribed time. You can get an infection resistant to the medication if you skip doses. Gentak does not treat viral or fungal eye infections. Store away from moisture or heat at room temperature. When not in use, keep the tube tightly sealed.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Gentak can cause blurred vision or affect your reaction. Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how the medicine will affect you. You should only use eye drops prescribed by your doctor.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs that you take are unlikely to affect the medicine used on your eyes. Many drugs interact with each other. Inform your healthcare provider about the medicines you take, including prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
