Gentamicin



Genoptic®[DSC]; Gentak®







Gentamicin

(jen ta MYE sin)

U.S. Brand Names
Genoptic®[DSC]; Gentak®
Canadian Brand Names
Alcomicin®; Diogent®; Garamycin®; Gentamicin Injection, USP; SAB-Gentamicin
Mexican Brand Names
Garamicina®; Genemicin®; Genkova®; Genrex®; Gentabac®; Gentacin®; Genta Grin®; Gentarim®; Gentazaf®; G.I.®; Ikatin®; Servigenta®; Tondex®; Yectamicina®
Pharmacologic Category
Antibiotic, Aminoglycoside; Antibiotic, Ophthalmic; Antibiotic, Topical
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • 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.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.
How does it work?
  • Gentamicin works to injure the bacteria and fight the infection.
How is it best taken?
  • 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 your 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.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • 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.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • If you have hearing loss, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Eye irritation.
  • Skin irritation.
  • Worsening kidney function.
  • Change in hearing can rarely occur.
What should I monitor?
  • 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.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Significant change in balance.
  • Change in hearing.
  • Feeling extremely nervous and excitable.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Sudden change in vision, eye pain, or irritation.
  • Severe skin irritation.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • This injection will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.
General statements
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: