Before using gentamicin drops

Before using gentamicin drops make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have a perforated (burst) ear drum and this treatment is for use in your ears.
• If you wear contact lenses and this treatment is for use in your eyes.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to gentamicin, any other medicine or preservative (for example, benzalkonium chloride).

How to use gentamicin drops

• Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Follow the instructions you have been given carefully. You will be told how often to use the drops and for how long.
• Try not to miss doses. If you do miss a dose, then apply the missed dose as soon as you remember.

• Do not wear contact lenses during treatment with these eye drops.
• Even when the eye appears normal again, there may still be some bacteria present. It is important to continue using gentamicin eye drops for a further 48 hours after the eye appears normal to ensure that all of the bacteria have been killed.
• If you are using any other eye drops or eye ointments, leave at least five minutes between applying each preparation.
• If only one eye is infected, take care not to spread the infection from one eye to the other.

1. Wash your hands well before use.
2. Remove the cap.
3. Tilt your head back a little and pull the lower lid of your eye out to form a pocket.
4. Hold the container upside down near to your eye. Try not to touch your eye as you do this.
5. Apply enough pressure to the container to release one drop into your eye. If you think that the drop missed your eye then insert another drop.
6. Close your eye for a minute or two, and press gently on the side of your nose where the corner of your eye meets your nose.
7. Repeat the process in your other eye if you have been asked to use the drops in both eyes.
8. Replace the cap.
9. Wash your hands.

1. Wash your hands well before use.
2. Clean your ear with warm water and pat it dry.
3. Remove the cap.
4. Lie down or tilt your head a little so that the affected ear is facing upwards.
5. Gently pull your earlobe to straighten the ear canal.
6. Hold the container upside down near to the ear. Try not to touch the inside of your ear as you do this.
7. Apply enough pressure to the container to release two to three drops.
8. Keep your ear facing upwards for a few minutes to allow the solution to come into contact with the affected area.
9. Repeat the process in your other ear if you have been asked to use the drops in both ears.
10. Replace the cap.
11. Wash your hands.

Getting the most from your treatment

• These drops are only intended for short-term use.
• If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, speak with your doctor.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take/use with your gentamicin drops.

Can gentamicin drops cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store gentamicin drops

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• If there is any preparation left in the container after you have finished your course of treatment, do not keep it. These drops must not be used if the bottle has been opened for longer than four weeks.

Important information about all medicines

References

• British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)