Gentamicin Ophthalmic

Gentamicin Ophthalmic is a prescription medication used to treat the symptoms of Conjunctivitis and for postoperative prophylaxis. 

• Gentamicin Ophthalmic is available under the following different brand names: Garamycin Ophthalmic, Genoptic, Gentak

Common side effects of Gentamicin Ophthalmic include:

• Eye stinging or burning,
• Redness of the eye,
• Temporary blurred vision

Serious side effects of Gentamicin Ophthalmic   include:

• Eye infections,
• Fungal eye infections,
• Pain in the eye,Swelling of the eye,
• Thick discharge or pus from the eye,
• Easy bruising or bleeding,
• Mood changes,
• Hallucinations,
• Rash,
• Itching,
• Swelling of the face, tongue, or throat,
• Severe dizziness, and
• Trouble breathing

Rare side effects of Gentamicin Ophthalmic   include:

• none

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors;
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
• Serious heart symptoms include fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out. 

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Adult and pediatric dosage

Ophthalmic solution/ointment

• 0.3 %

Conjunctivitis & Postoperative Prophylaxis

Adult and pediatric dosage

• Apply 1/2 inch twice or thrice daily (ointment); 1-2 drops every 2-4 hours or as needed (solution), if severe up to 2 drops every 1 hour
• Used in keratitis in FORTIFIED preparation from injectable (instead of 3 mg/mL, used in 10-15 mg/mL concentration); very effective in every 15-30 min interval, reduce every hour in 24-48 hours as determined clinically

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Gentamicin Ophthalmic has no noted severe interactions with any other drugs.
• Gentamicin Ophthalmic has no noted serious interactions with any other drugs.
• Gentamicin Ophthalmic has no noted moderate interactions with any other drugs.
• Gentamicin Ophthalmic has no noted minor interactions with any other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your products. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your healthcare professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to aminoglycosides or any component of the product 

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Gentamicin Ophthalmic?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Gentamicin Ophthalmic?”

Cautions

• Prolonged use of topical antibiotics may give rise to the overgrowth of no susceptible organisms including fungi
• Bacterial resistance to the drug may also develop with long-term use; if purulent discharge, inflammation, or pain becomes aggravated, the patient should discontinue the use of medication and consult a physician
• If irritation or hypersensitivity to any component of the drug develops, the patient should discontinue the use of this preparation, and appropriate therapy instituted
• Ophthalmic ointments may retard corneal healing
• To avoid contamination, do not touch the tip of the container to the eye, eyelid, or any surface
• Not to be used as routine prophylaxis for ophthalmia neonatorum; severe ocular reactions described as eyelid erythema, periocular blistering, and ocular discharge reported within 48 hours after administration

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Use with caution if the benefits outweigh the risks during pregnancy.
• Lactation
  • Safety in nursing infants is unknown.