Gentamicin (Otic)

Gentamicin is part of a group of medicines known as antibiotics. Gentamicin otic preparations are used to treat infections in the ear canal.

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

If your symptoms do not get better in a few days, or if they get worse, contact your doctor.

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the benefits it will provide. This decision should be made together with your doctor. For this medicine, consider the following:

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 may have, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric

There is no specific information comparing the use of gentamicin (Otic) solution in children up to 6 years of age with its use in other age groups.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically 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 the use of this medicine in the elderly with its use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older adults than it does in younger adults.

Breast Feeding

Studies in women indicate 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 could happen. 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]) medicines.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used around the time of eating food or certain types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with some medicines may also cause interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical problems may influence the use of this medicine. Be sure to inform your doctor if you have any other medical issues, especially:

• Any other ear infection or problem (including punctured or absent eardrum)—Using gentamicin (Otic) preparations in individuals with this condition may lead to systemic absorption and increase the risk of side effects.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may happen, if they do occur, they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

• Itching, redness, swelling, or other signs of irritation that were not present before using this medicine

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome, or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

• Burning or stinging in the ear

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

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

Chemical Class: Aminoglycoside

To use:

• Lie down or tilt the head so that the infected ear faces up. Gently pull the earlobe up and back for adults (down and back for children) to straighten the ear canal. Drop the medicine into the ear canal. Keep the ear facing up for about 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to come into contact with the infection. A sterile cotton plug may be gently inserted into the ear opening to prevent the medicine from leaking out.
• To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the ear). Also, keep the container tightly closed.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms 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 ear drops dosage form: For ear infections: Adults and children 6 years of age and older—Place three or four drops in the infected ear three times a day. Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

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.