Drugs & Vitamins

Genoptic Active Ingredients: Gentamicin Ophthalmic Drops or Ointment Representative Names: Garamycin Opthalmic, Genoptic, Gentacidin, Gentafair, Gentak, Ocu-Mycin Available Product Images: What are gentamicin eye drops or ointment? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with gentamicin? What side effects may I notice from using gentamicin? What should I watch for while taking gentamicin? Where can I keep my medicine? What are gentamicin eye drops or ointment? (Back to top) GENTAMICIN (Garamycin®) is an aminoglycoside antibiotic. Gentamicin eye drops or ointment treat superficial eye infections. You can also get eye preparations of gentamicin combined with prednisolone. Generic gentamicin eye preparations are available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •an unusual or allergic reaction to gentamicin or other antibiotics, sulfites, foods, dyes or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Gentamicin eye drops or eye ointment are only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper or tube to your eye, fingertips, or other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch: or, if using the ointment, squeeze the end of the tube to apply a thin layer of the ointment to the inside of the lower eyelid. Close the eye gently to spread the drops or ointment. Your vision may blur for a few minutes. Report burning or itching of the eyelids at once. Use your doses at regular intervals. It is important to use this medicine for the full course of treatment, even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop using except on your prescriber's advice. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with gentamicin? (Back to top) Do not use any other eye products without consulting your prescriber or health care professional. Check before stopping or starting any of your medicines or non-prescription products. What side effects may I notice from using gentamicin? (Back to top) These are possible serious side effects with gentamicin: •burning, stinging or irritation Other serious side effects are rare from the use of eye products; they include: •difficulty hearing •dizziness •increased thirst •loss of balance •muscle weakness •nausea •pain or difficulty passing urine •ringing in the ears Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •blurred vision (usually temporary) Let your prescriber or health care professional know about this side effect if it does not go away or if it annoys you. What should I watch for while taking gentamicin? (Back to top) Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in a few days. A burning or stinging reaction that does not go away may mean you are allergic to this product. Stop using and call your prescriber or health care professional. Gentamicin can make certain eye conditions worse. Only use it for conditions for which your prescriber or health care professional has prescribed. To prevent the spread of infection, do not share eye products, or share towels and washcloths with anyone else. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children. Store between 2 and 30 degrees C (36 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:08/09/2004 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.