Gentamicin ophthalmic

Gentamicin is an antibiotic that targets bacteria.

Gentamicin ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat bacterial infections in the eyes.

Gentamicin ophthalmic may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you are using.

You should not use gentamicin ophthalmic if you are allergic to gentamicin.

• a viral or fungal infection in your eye.

It is not known if this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Gentamicin ophthalmic can cause serious side effects. Stop using gentamicin ophthalmic and call your doctor right away if you experience:

• severe burning, stinging, or irritation after using gentamicin ophthalmic; or
• signs of an eye infection—pain, swelling, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage, or increased sensitivity to light.

Less serious side effects might happen more often, and you may not experience any at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.
• Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
• Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed. If you use more than one drop, wait about 5 minutes between drops.
• Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

To apply the ointment:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the ointment tube with the tip pointing toward this pocket. Look up and away from the tip.
• Squeeze out a ribbon of ointment into the lower eyelid pocket without touching the tip of the tube to your eye. Blink your eye gently and then keep it closed for 1 or 2 minutes.
• Use a tissue to wipe excess ointment from your eyelashes.
• After opening your eyes, you may have blurred vision for a short time. Avoid driving or doing anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or ointment tube, or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper or tube tip can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Gentamicin ophthalmic will not treat a viral or fungal eye infection.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use.

Use the medicine as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at once.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

gentamicin ophthalmic may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Avoid driving or doing anything dangerous until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor instructs you to.

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. However, many drugs can interact with each other. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.