What is Gentamicin Ophthalmic?
Gentamicin is an antibacterial. Gentamicin (for the eye) is used for treating bacterial infections. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of gentamicin.
Side effects of Gentamicin ophthalmic
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
The side effects of gentamicin can be serious. If you experience:
- After using gentamicin, you may experience 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 of all of your medical conditions, allergies and medicines you are taking.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to gentamicin, do not use the gentamicin eye drops.
- A viral or fungal infection in your eye.
This medicine is not known to harm an unborn child. 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 Gentamicin ophthalmic?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label. Before using eye medications, wash your hands.
How to apply eye drops
- To create a pocket, tilt your head slightly back and pull your lower eyelid down. The tip of the dropper should be pointing down. 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 appears 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 eye for one or two minutes.
- 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 your symptoms improve quickly, take all prescribed doses as directed to ensure an optimum result.You can get an infection resistant to the medication if you skip doses. Gentamicin Ophthalmic 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?
Gentamicin ophthalmic can cause blurred vision or affect your reaction. Do not drive or engage in any 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 any prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies.
