Gentamicin Drops

About Gentamicin Drops

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antibacterials.

Gentamicin Drops are used to treat bacterial infections of the eye, such as conjunctivitis and bacterial infections of the ear by killing the bacteria responsible.

Gentamicin is available in drop form. It is also available in the form of single dose vials for use in the eye only.

It is also sometimes known as: Genticin. You may notice the use of either of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

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 wear soft contact lenses
• if you have a perforated ear drum (ear drops only)
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking or using any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to use Gentamicin Drops

Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.

FOR USE IN THE EYE:

If the eye(s) have an obvious discharge or 'crust' they may be bathed with boiled and cooled water before treating with Gentamicin.

1. Wash your hands well before use
2. Remove the outer cap or the tip of the vial (if using unit dose vial)
3. Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye out to form a pocket
4. Hold the container between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand, turn the container upside down near to the eye, try not to touch the eye with the nozzle
5. Apply enough pressure to the container to release one to two drops
6. Close the eye, and keep the eye closed for a minute or two
7. If you think that you have missed the eye, then insert another drop
8. Repeat in the other eye if you have been instructed to use Gentamicin in both eyes
9. Replace the outer cap on the container, trying not to touch the applicator tip with any surface, including the eye or the fingers
10. If you have been supplied the single dose vials, throw away the vial after each application Wash your hands

FOR USE IN THE EAR:

If you find it more comfortable, you may warm the ear drops to body temperature (but no higher) by holding the container in your hand for a few minutes before administering.

1. Clean the ear with warm water and dry thoroughly, Wash your hands
2. Remove the outer cap
3. Lie down, or tilt the head, so that the affected ear faces up
4. Gently pull the earlobe to straighten the ear canal
5. Hold the container between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand; turn the container upside down near to the ear, try not to touch the inside of the ear
6. Apply enough pressure to the container to release three to four drops
7. Keep the ear facing up for a few minutes to allow the solution to come into contact with the affected area
8. Repeat in the other ear if you have been instructed to use Gentamicin Drops in both ears
9. Replace the outer cap on the container
10. Wash your hands

Getting the most from your treatment

• Use Gentamicin Drops exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
• Try not to miss doses. If you do miss a dose, then apply the missed dose as soon as possible.
• Do not use Gentamicin Drops more often, or for a longer period than your doctor has directed.
• If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• Gentamicin Drops are for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Gentamicin Drops are for external use only. If you suspect someone has swallowed any Gentamicin Drops, contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.

Eye Drops

• Do not wear soft contact lenses while you are being treated with Gentamicin eye drops.
• If you are using any other eye drops or eye ointments, leave at least five minutes between applying each preparation.
• When the eye appears normal again, there may still be some bacteria present. It is important to continue using Gentamicin Drops for a further 48 hours after the eye appears normal, to ensure that all of the bacteria have been killed.
• Strict attention to hygiene and cleanliness is important to prevent the infection spreading to other people.
• Be careful to use separate towels to other members of your household.
• If only the one eye is infected it may be advisable to treat both eyes. Care must be taken to avoid spreading the infection from one eye to the other.
• Eye infections can cause the eyes to become more sensitive to sunlight. Wearing dark glasses may help prevent this.

Can Gentamicin Drops cause problems?

Gentamicin Drops are unlikely to cause any side effects. If however, you get irritation of the ear or eye you should stop the treatment and consult your doctor. If your condition becomes worse or if you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to Gentamicin Drops ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

How to store Gentamicin Drops

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Discard these drops four weeks after opening.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2006   Updated: 30/06/2005