Gentamicin eye ointment

What is this medication?

GENTAMICIN (jen ta MYE sin) is an aminoglycoside antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial eye infections.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Garamycin, Genoptic SOP, Gentak, Ocu-Mycin

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•an unusual or allergic reaction to gentamicin or other antibiotics, sulfites, foods, dyes or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the tube to your eye, fingertips, or other surface. Squeeze the end of the tube to apply a thin layer of the ointment to the inside of the lower eyelid. Close the eye gently to spread the ointment. Your vision may blur for a few minutes. Use your doses at regular intervals. It is important to use this medicine for the full course of treatment, even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop using except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other eye products without talking to your doctor or health care professional.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better after a few days.

A burning or stinging reaction that does not go away may mean you are allergic to this product. Stop using and call your doctor or health care professional.

This medicine can make certain eye conditions worse. Only use it for conditions for which your doctor or health care professional has prescribed.

To prevent the spread of infection, do not share eye products, towels, and washcloths with anyone else.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•burning, stinging or irritation

•difficulty hearing or ringing in the ears

•dizziness

•increased thirst

•loss of balance

•muscle weakness

•nausea

•pain or difficulty passing urine

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•blurred vision (usually temporary)

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store between 2 and 30 degrees C (36 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.