Garamycin (Topical)

Gentamicin is part of a group of medicines known as antibiotics. Gentamicin topical preparations are used to treat skin infections.

You can get gentamicin only with a prescription from your doctor.

If your skin problem does not get better within 1 week, or if it gets worse, contact your doctor.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to consider the risks of taking the medicine against the benefits it will provide. For this medicine, keep the following in mind:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know about any other allergies you have, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric

This medicine has been tested in children over 1 year old and, at effective doses, has not shown different side effects or problems compared to adults.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been specifically studied in older adults. Therefore, it may not be known if they work the same way as they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing this medicine's use in the elderly with other age groups, it is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older adults than in younger adults.

Breast Feeding

Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these situations, your doctor may want to adjust the dose, or other precautions may be needed. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around mealtime or with specific types of food since interactions may happen. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Along with its necessary effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, they may require medical attention.

Check with your doctor right away if any of the following side effects happen:

Less common

• Itching, redness, swelling, or any other sign of irritation that was not present before using this medicine

Other side effects not listed may also happen in some patients. If you notice any other effects, talk to your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Garamycin

Available Dosage Forms:

• Ointment
• Cream

Therapeutic Class: Antibacterial

Chemical Class: Aminoglycoside

Before applying this medicine, wash the affected area with soap and water, and dry thoroughly. Apply a small amount to the affected area and rub in gently.

After this medicine is applied, the treated area may be covered with a gauze dressing if desired.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even though your symptoms may have disappeared. Do not miss any doses.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For topical dosage forms (cream or ointment): For bacterial infections: Adults and children 1 year of age and over—Apply to affected area(s) of the skin three or four times a day.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.