Gentamicin Overview

(jen ta MYE sin)

Gentak®; Gentasol™

Alcomicin®; Diogent®; Garamycin®; Gentamicin Injection, USP

Garamicina; Garamsa; Genkova; Genrex; Gentamil; Gentazol; Misinex; Servigenta; Tondex; Yectamicina

Antibiotic, Aminoglycoside; Antibiotic, Ophthalmic; Antibiotic, Topical

• Injection: This medicine may cause worsening kidney function and hearing loss, and it may change your sense of balance. Talk with healthcare provider.

• This medicine does not mix well with some medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with healthcare provider.

• If you have an allergy to gentamicin or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• Gentamicin works to injure the bacteria and fight the infection.

Eye drops:

• Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.

• For the eye only.

• Contact lenses should not be worn at any time while using this medicine.

• Do not touch the container tip to the eye, lid, or other skin.

• Tilt head back and drop medicine into eye.

• After using medicine, keep your eyes closed. Apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye. Do this for 3-5 minutes. This keeps the medicine in your eye.

• Separate each eye medicine by 5 minutes.

Eye ointment:

• Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.

• For the eye only.

• Contact lenses should not be worn at any time while using this medicine.

• Do not touch the container tip to the eye, lid, or other skin.

• Place medicine inside the lower lid. Close the eye for 1-2 minutes. Roll eyeball around.

• Separate each eye medicine by 10 minutes.

Injection (I.V.):

• This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or vein.

Skin:

• Do not take this medicine by mouth. For skin only. Keep out of mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).

• Wash hands before and after use.

• Clean affected area before use. Make sure to dry well.

• Apply a thin layer to the affected skin and rub in gently.

Injection (I.V.):

• Call healthcare provider for appointment.

All other forms:

• Use a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Side effects. Some side effects may occur up to 2 weeks after the shot. Report them to healthcare provider.

• Store at room temperature.

• Follow directions for storage of injection. Talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 12:51:13.0

Modified: 2010-06-29 09:15:18.0

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