gentamicin ophthalmic (Rx)

Brand and Other Names:Garamycin Ophthalmic, Genoptic, more...Gentak

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

ophthalmic solution/ointment

  • 0.3%

Conjunctivitis & Postoperative Prophylaxis

Apply 1/2 inch BID-TID (ointment); 1-2 gtt q2-4hr PRN (soln), if severe up to 2gtt q1hr

Used in keratitis in FORTIFIED preparation from injectable (instead of 3 mg/mL, used in 10-15 mg/mL concentration); very effective in q15-30min interval, reduce q1hr in 24-48hr as determined clinically

See also combo with prednisolone

Dosage Forms & Strengths

ophthalmic solution/ointment

  • 0.3%

Conjunctivitis & Postoperative Prophylaxis

Apply 1/2 inch BID-TID (ointment); 1-2 gtt q2-4hr PRN (soln), if severe up to 2gtt q1hr

Used in keratitis in FORTIFIED preparation from injectable (instead of 3 mg/mL, used in 10-15 mg/mL concentration); very effective in q15-30min interval, reduce q1hr in 24-48hr as determined clinically

Next:

Adverse Effects

Frequency Not Defined

Contain other ingredients such as parabens which may also cause allergic contact dermatitis

Transient irritation, burning, stinging

Increased redness, lacrimation

Previous
Next:

Warnings

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to aminoglycosides or any component of product

Cautions

Prolonged use of topical antibiotics may give rise to overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms including fungi

Bacterial resistance to drug may also develop with long term use; if purulent discharge, inflammation or pain becomes aggravated, the patient should discontinue use of medication and consult a physician

If irritation or hypersensitivity to any component of the drug develops, the patient should discontinue use of this preparation and appropriate therapy instituted

Ophthalmic ointments may retard corneal healing

To avoid contamination, do not touch tip of container to 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 hr after administration

Previous
Next:

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category: C

Lactation: safety in nursing infants unknown

Pregnancy Categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

Previous
Next:

Pharmacology

Absorption: into aqueous humor; greatest when cornea is abraded

Mechanism of Action

Appears to inhibit protein synthesis in susceptible bacteria by irreversibly binding to 30S ribosomal subunits

Previous
Next:

Images

BRAND FORM. UNIT PRICE PILL IMAGE
gentamicin topical
-
0.1 % cream
gentamicin topical
-
0.1 % cream
gentamicin topical
-
0.1 % ointment
gentamicin topical
-
0.1 % ointment
gentamicin topical
-
0.1 % ointment
gentamicin topical
-
0.1 % ointment
gentamicin topical
-
0.1 % cream
gentamicin topical
-
0.1 % cream
gentamicin topical
-
0.1 % cream
gentamicin topical
-
0.1 % cream
gentamicin topical
-
0.1 % ointment
gentamicin topical
-
0.1 % ointment
gentamicin injection
-
40 mg/mL vial
gentamicin injection
-
40 mg/mL vial
gentamicin injection
-
40 mg/mL vial
gentamicin injection
-
20 mg/2 mL vial
gentamicin ophthalmic (eye)
-
0.3 % drops
gentamicin ophthalmic (eye)
-
0.3 % drops
gentamicin ophthalmic (eye)
-
0.3 % drops
gentamicin ophthalmic (eye)
-
0.3 % drops

Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.

Previous
Next:

Patient Handout

Select a drug:
Patient Education
gentamicin injection

GENTAMICIN - INJECTION

(jen-ta-MYE-sin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Garamycin

WARNING: This medication can cause serious kidney problems and nerve damage, resulting in permanent hearing loss (including deafness or decreased hearing) and balance problems. The risk is increased if you are older, already have kidney disease, or if you have a severe loss of body water (dehydration). Your risk is also increased if you receive high doses, or with longer use of this medication.Tell your doctor right away if you notice ringing/roaring sounds in the ears, hearing loss, dizziness, or an unusual decrease in the amount of your urine.Careful monitoring by your doctor will reduce the risk of these side effects. Monitoring may include hearing, kidney, urine, and drug blood level tests.Avoid other medications that may increase your risk for these serious side effects if taken together with gentamicin. See also Drug Interactions section.

USES: This medication is used to prevent or treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. Gentamicin belongs to a class of drugs known as aminoglycoside antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein or muscle as directed by your doctor, usually every 8 hours. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment. Laboratory tests (such as kidney function, levels of drug in the blood) may be performed to help find the best dose for your condition.If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.For the best effect, use this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, use this medication at the same time(s) every day.Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a return of the infection.Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section.Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, or loss of appetite may occur. Pain/irritation/redness at the injection site may rarely occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: numbness/tingling, muscle twitching or weakness, seizure.This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: diarrhea that doesn't stop, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool.If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid products because they may make symptoms worse.Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using gentamicin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other aminoglycoside antibiotics (such as tobramycin, amikacin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as sulfites), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: cystic fibrosis, hearing problems (including deafness, decreased hearing), kidney problems, low blood minerals (including potassium, magnesium, calcium), myasthenia gravis, Parkinson's disease.Gentamicin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your health care professional that you are using gentamicin before having any immunizations/vaccinations.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially kidney damage.This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Although there have been reports of harm in babies born to women using similar drugs, the risk for harm may not be the same with this drug. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.This drug passes into breast milk in small amounts. However, many doctors consider breastfeeding safe while using this medication. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also Warning section.Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.Other medications that may affect the kidneys or hearing may increase the risk of kidney damage or hearing loss if taken with gentamicin. Some affected drugs include: amikacin, tobramycin, amphotericin B, cidofovir, cisplatin, polymyxin B, cephalosporins such as cephaloridine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, among others.

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

NOTES: Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney function, levels of drug in your blood) may be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE: It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Information last revised November 2022. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

Previous
Next:

Formulary

FormularyPatient Discounts

Adding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.

To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time.

Adding plans allows you to:

  • View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
  • Manage and view all your plans together – even plans in different states.
  • Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
  • Access your plan list on any device – mobile or desktop.

The above information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Individual plans may vary and formulary information changes. Contact the applicable plan provider for the most current information.

Tier Description
1 This drug is available at the lowest co-pay. Most commonly, these are generic drugs.
2 This drug is available at a middle level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "preferred" (on formulary) brand drugs.
3 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs.
4 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
5 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
6 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
NC NOT COVERED – Drugs that are not covered by the plan.
Code Definition
PA Prior Authorization
Drugs that require prior authorization. This restriction requires that specific clinical criteria be met prior to the approval of the prescription.
QL Quantity Limits
Drugs that have quantity limits associated with each prescription. This restriction typically limits the quantity of the drug that will be covered.
ST Step Therapy
Drugs that have step therapy associated with each prescription. This restriction typically requires that certain criteria be met prior to approval for the prescription.
OR Other Restrictions
Drugs that have restrictions other than prior authorization, quantity limits, and step therapy associated with each prescription.
Additional Offers
Email to Patient

From:

To:

The recipient will receive more details and instructions to access this offer.

By clicking send, you acknowledge that you have permission to email the recipient with this information.

Email Forms to Patient

From:

To:

The recipient will receive more details and instructions to access this offer.

By clicking send, you acknowledge that you have permission to email the recipient with this information.

Previous
Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.