gentamicin topical (Rx)

Brand and Other Names:Garamycin topical

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

cream/ointment

  • 1%

Gram-Negative Infections

Topical: Apply to affected area q6-8hr

Dosage Forms & Strengths

cream/ointment

  • 1%

Gram-Negative Infections

> 1year: Apply to affected area q6-8hr

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Adverse Effects

Frequency Not Defined

Allergic contact dermatitis

Erythema

Pruritus

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Warnings

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity

Skin rash

Cautions

The use of topical antibiotics occasionally allows overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi; discontinue use if this condition occurs, or if irritation, sensitization or superinfection develops; institute appropriate therapy

Local redness/irritation reported

Not for long-term therapy

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Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy

Animal studies not reported; there are no controlled data in human pregnancy

Lactation

Data not available on excretion into human or animal milk; effects in nursing infants are 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.

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Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action

Bactericidal; appears to inhibit protein synthesis in susceptible bacteria by irreversibly binding to 30S and 50S ribosomal subunits

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Systemic absorption reported in burn patients treated with topical gentamicin

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Images

BRAND FORM. UNIT PRICE PILL IMAGE
gentamicin ophthalmic (eye)
-
0.3 % drops
gentamicin ophthalmic (eye)
-
0.3 % drops
gentamicin ophthalmic (eye)
-
0.3 % drops
gentamicin ophthalmic (eye)
-
0.3 % drops
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 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

Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.

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Patient Handout

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Patient Education
gentamicin ophthalmic (eye)

GENTAMICIN DROPS - OPHTHALMIC

(jen-ta-MYE-sin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Garamycin, Gentak

USES: This medication is used to treat bacterial infections (such as blepharitis, conjunctivitis) of the eye and the skin around the eyes (such as eyelids). It is also used to prevent infection after eye injury or surgery. It belongs to a class of drugs known as aminoglycoside antibiotics. Gentamicin works by killing the bacteria.This medication treats only bacterial eye infections. It will not work for other types of eye infections. Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

HOW TO USE: To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface. Use in the eyes only. Do not swallow or inject.Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this medication. Sterilize contact lenses according to the manufacturer's directions, and check with your doctor before you begin using them again.Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop into the pouch as directed by your doctor. Look downward, gently close your eyes, and place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose). Apply gentle pressure for 1 to 2 minutes before opening your eyes. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink or rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed or if your dose is for more than 1 drop. Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before driving or operating machinery. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor may direct you to use this medication more often at first, then use it less often as the infection improves. Follow your doctor's directions carefully. Your doctor may prescribe gentamicin drops for use during the day and gentamicin ointment at bedtime.If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Continue to use this medication for the full time prescribed, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

SIDE EFFECTS: Eye stinging/burning/redness or temporary blurred vision may 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.Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in other types of eye infections, including fungal infections. Stop using this medication and contact your doctor if you notice new or worsening eye symptoms (such as pain, swelling, thick discharge or pus).Rarely, gentamicin products used in the eye may be absorbed and may cause serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: easy bruising/bleeding, mental/mood changes (such as hallucinations).A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: 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); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, 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.After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you can do it safely.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.This drug may pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: 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.

OVERDOSE: This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. 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: Do not share this medication with others.This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Different brands of this medication have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Do not freeze. 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 October 2023. 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.

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Formulary

FormularyPatient Discounts

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Adding plans allows you to:

  • View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
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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.
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Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.