Gentamicin topical

Gentamicin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria.

Gentamicin topical (for use on the skin) is used to treat skin infections caused by bacteria.

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

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

Before you apply gentamicin topical, wash and completely dry the infected skin.

Gently wash away any crusts from the infected skin. This will help the medicine penetrate the infection more easily.

Apply a small amount of gentamicin topical to the affected area.

Cover the skin with a gauze dressing if you want to.

Keep your hands and skin clean to avoid further infection.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

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 taking.

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

Gentamicin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 1 year old.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

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

Call your doctor immediately if you notice signs of a new skin infection--swelling, warmth, redness, or oozing.

Common side effects of gentamicin topical may include:

• itching; or
• skin redness.

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

Usual Adult Dose for Skin and Structure Infection:

Apply a small amount topically to lesions 3 to 4 times a dayComments:-Cream or ointment should be applied gently.-Area may be covered with a gauze dressing if desired.-In the treatment of impetigo contagiosa, the crusts should be removed prior to application of this drug to permit maximum contact between antibiotic and infection.Uses: For the treatment of primary skin infections (e.g., impetigo contagiosa, superficial folliculitis, ecthyma, furunculosis, sycosis barbae, and pyoderma gangrenosum); for the treatment of secondary skin infections (e.g., infectious eczematoid dermatitis, pustular acne, pustular psoriasis, infected seborrheic dermatitis, infected contact dermatitis [including poison ivy], infected excoriations, and bacterial superinfections of fungal or viral infections)

Usual Pediatric Dose for Skin and Structure Infection:

Greater than 1 year: Apply a small amount topically to lesions 3 to 4 times a dayComments:-Cream or ointment should be applied gently.-Area may be covered with a gauze dressing if desired.-In the treatment of impetigo contagiosa, the crusts should be removed prior to application of this drug to permit maximum contact between antibiotic and infection.Uses: For the treatment of primary skin infections (e.g., impetigo contagiosa, superficial folliculitis, ecthyma, furunculosis, sycosis barbae, and pyoderma gangrenosum); for the treatment of secondary skin infections (e.g., infectious eczematoid dermatitis, pustular acne, pustular psoriasis, infected seborrheic dermatitis, infected contact dermatitis [including poison ivy], infected excoriations, and bacterial superinfections of fungal or viral infections)

Apply the medicine as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if your next dose is coming up soon. Do not apply two doses at the same time.

An overdose of gentamicin topical is not expected to be harmful. Get emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if someone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Follow your doctor's instructions regarding any limits on food, drinks, or activities.

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.