PATIENT & CAREGIVER EDUCATION
Gentamicin (Ophthalmic
This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this
medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and
when to call your healthcare provider.
Brand Names: US
Gentak [DSC]
What is this drug used for?
It is used to treat eye infections.
What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child
takes this drug?
If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other
drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what
signs your child had.
This drug may interact with other drugs or health problems.
Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription
or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to
make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs
and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your
child takes without checking with the doctor.
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What are some things I need to know or do while
my child takes this drug?
Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this
drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and
dentists.
Have your child use care when doing tasks that call for clear eyesight.
Do not give to your child longer than you have been told. A second
infection may happen.
If your child is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby:
Talk with the doctor if your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is
breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks
to your child and the baby.
What are some side effects that I need to call my
child’s doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have
very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your
child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the
following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen,
blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in
the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual
hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Change in eyesight.
Eye pain.
Eye irritation.
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What are some other side effects of this drug?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects
or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help
if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do
not go away:
Burning.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions
about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for
medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.
How is this drug best given?
Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given
to you. Follow all instructions closely.
All eye products:
For the eye only.
Keep using this drug as you have been told by your child’s doctor or
other health care provider, even if your child’s signs get better.
Wash your hands before and after use.
Do not touch the container tip to your child’s eye, lid, or other skin. This
could lead to bacteria in the drug, which may cause severe eye problems
or loss of eyesight.
Eye drops:
Tilt your child’s head back and drop drug into the eye.
After giving this drug, ask your child to keep eyes closed. Put light
pressure on the inside corner of the eye. Do this for 1 to 2 minutes. This
keeps the drug in your child’s eye.
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Eye ointment:
Gently pull down the lower lid and squeeze in how much the doctor told
you to use.
Let go of the lower eyelid and have your child keep eyes closed for 1 to 2
minutes.
What do I do if my child misses a dose?
Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
If it is close to the time for your child’s next dose, skip the missed dose
and go back to your child’s normal time.
Do not give 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
Store at room temperature.
Protect from heat.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children
and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour
down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if
you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be
drug take-back programs in your area.
General drug facts
If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they
become worse, call your child’s doctor.
Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s
drug to your child.
Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any
questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s doctor, nurse,
pharmacist, or other health care provider.
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If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center
or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken,
how much, and when it happened.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment,
and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and
should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential
diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about
conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to
a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for
the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based
on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s
specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care
provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and
treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of
medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or
medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient.
UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to
this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed
by the Terms of Use, available at
https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.
Last Reviewed Date
2021-07-16
Copyright
© 2024 UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights
reserved.
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If you have any questions, contact a member of your care team directly.
If you're a patient at MSK and you need to reach a provider after 5 p.m.,
during the weekend, or on a holiday, call 212-639-2000.
For more resources, visit www.mskcc.org/pe to search our virtual library.
Gentamicin (Ophthalmic - Last updated on December 12, 2022
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