GENTAMICIN - TOPICAL

GENTAMICIN - TOPICAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (JEN-ta-MYE-sin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Garamycin

GENERIC NAME(S): gentamicin sulfate

Uses

USES: This medication is used to treat minor skin infections (such as impetigo, folliculitis) or minor infections related to some skin conditions (such as eczema, psoriasis, minor burns/cuts/wounds). Gentamicin works by stopping the growth of certain bacteria. It belongs to a class of drugs known as aminoglycoside antibiotics. This antibiotic only treats bacterial infections. It will not work for virus or fungus infections. Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.


How to use GENTAMICIN - TOPICAL

HOW TO USE: This medication is for use on the skin only. Wash your hands before using. Clean and dry the affected area as directed. If you are treating impetigo, remove any dried, crusty skin to increase contact between the antibiotic and the infected area. Then gently apply a small amount of medication in a thin layer as directed by your doctor, usually 3 to 4 times a day. You may cover the area with a sterile gauze bandage if so directed. Keep the infected area clean. Wash your hands after use, unless you are using this product to treat the hands. Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If this occurs, wipe off the medication and rinse thoroughly with water. Dosage and length of treatment is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Do not apply large amounts of this medication, use it more often, or use it for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects may increase. Continue to use this medication for the full length of treatment prescribed, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a return of the infection. Tell your doctor if your skin infection persists or if it worsens.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Skin irritation, redness, and itching may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Rarely, use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in other types of skin infections (such as fungal or other bacterial infections). Contact your doctor if you notice any unusual skin symptoms or if your condition does not improve. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using gentamicin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other aminoglycoside antibiotics (such as tobramycin, amikacin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history. Rarely, this medication may be absorbed into the blood if you are applying it to large areas of skin, especially if the areas are cracked, broken, or raw. Injured skin may absorb more of this product, and the chance of serious side effects may increase. Consult your doctor for more details. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. However, this drug is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring. To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: aminoglycoside antibiotics given by injection (such as amikacin, gentamicin, tobramycin). This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use. Share this list with your doctor and pharmacist to lessen your risk for serious medication problems.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Faq for GENTAMICIN - TOPICAL

Gentamicin topical is used for treating various skin infections caused by bacteria.

Gentamicin topical works by stopping the growth of bacteria and killing them, thus treating the infection.

Gentamicin topical should be applied to the affected area of the skin, usually two to four times a day, as directed by your doctor.

Yes, Gentamicin topical can be used on open wounds, but it is always recommended to consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before using it.

Common side effects of Gentamicin topical include skin irritation, itching, and redness at the application site. In rare cases, it may cause allergic reactions or severe skin reactions. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

It is generally recommended to avoid using Gentamicin topical during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless specifically prescribed by a doctor. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

Gentamicin topical is not known to interact with other medications when used as directed. However, it is always important to inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you are taking to avoid potential interactions.

The duration of treatment with Gentamicin topical usually depends on the severity of the infection and the response to the medication. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding the duration of use.

No, Gentamicin topical is specifically indicated for bacterial infections and should not be used for fungal or viral infections. Using it for such conditions may not be effective and could potentially worsen the condition.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.