Gentamicin is an antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections of the eye.
Instil Gentamicin eye drop solution in the affected eye(s) exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.
To use the eye drop solution, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before using the eye drops.
- Tilt your head slightly backwards. With the index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Look upward and instil the required number of drops inside the lower eyelid.
- Close your eye and do not blink for a few seconds. Using your index finger, gently press the inner corner of your eye by the nose for a few minutes. This may help prevent the absorption of Gentamicin into other parts of the body.
- Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a clean tissue.
- Replace and tighten the cap of the bottle.
Do not allow the tip of the dropper of this medicine to touch your eyes, eyelids, or any other surface. Recap the eye drop immediately after use. If the eye drop becomes contaminated, it could cause further infection in your eyes.
Do not share your eye drops with anyone else.
Some brands of Gentamicin contain benzalkonium chloride as a preservative. This may discolour soft contact lenses and cause eye irritation. If you are wearing contact lenses, you should remove them before instilling the eye drops. Wait for at least 15 minutes before reinserting your lenses.
Use Gentamicin at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Instil the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.
If you often forget to instil your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not use Gentamicin if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or similar antibiotics such as amikacin, tobramycin, and neomycin.
Alert your doctor if you have myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder) as Gentamicin may not be suitable for you.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Avoid long-term use of Gentamicin eye drops.
Gentamicin may cause your vision to be temporarily blurred. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: pain, irritation, burning or stinging sensation, and itching of the eyes.
If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor immediately. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Store below 25°C, away from the reach of children.
Protect from excessive heat.
Throw away any remaining eye drops 4 weeks after opening. Mark the date of opening on the eye drop bottle so that you know when to discard it.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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