GENTAMICIN (Otic)*
Some commonly used brand names are:
In Canada?
* Not commercially available in the U.S.
Category
Description
Gentamicin (jen-ta-MYE-sin) belongs to the familyof medicines called antibiotics. Gentamicin otic preparations are used totreat infections of the ear canal.
Gentamicin is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the followingdosage form:
Before Using This Medicine
In deciding to use a medicine,the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do.This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For gentamicin otic preparations,the following should be considered:
Allergies?Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual orallergic reaction to this medicine or to any related antibiotics such as amikacin(e.g., Amikin), gentamicin by injection (e.g., Garamycin), kanamycin (e.g.,Kantrex), neomycin (e.g., Mycifradin), netilmicin (e.g., Netromycin), streptomycin,or tobramycin (e.g., Nebcin). Also tell your health care professional if youare allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives.
Pregnancy?Studies with gentamicin have not been done in pregnantwomen. However, studies in animals have shown that gentamicin causes decreasedkidney development, kidney weight, and overall body weight. Before takingthis medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you maybecome pregnant.
Breast-feeding?Gentamicin otic preparations have not been reportedto cause problems in nursing babies.
Children?There is no specific information comparing use of gentamicin otic solution in children up to 6 years of age with use in otherage groups.
Older adults?Many medicines have not been studied specificallyin older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactlythe same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific informationcomparing use of this medicine in the elderly with use in other age groups,this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problemsin older people than it does in younger adults.
Other medical problems?The presence of other medical problems may affectthe use of gentamicin otic preparations. Make sure you tell your doctor ifyou have any other medical problems, especially:
- Any other ear infection or problem (including punctured or absenteardrum)?Use of gentamicin otic preparations in persons with this conditionmay lead to systemic absorption, and increase the chance of side effects
Proper Use of This Medicine
To use:
- Lie down or tilt the head so that the infected ear faces up. Gentlypull the earlobe up and back for adults (down and back for children) to straightenthe ear canal. Drop the medicine into the ear canal. Keep the ear facing upfor about 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to come into contact with theinfection. A sterile cotton plug may be gently inserted into the ear openingto prevent the medicine from leaking out.
- To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicatortip to any surface (including the ear). Also, keep the container tightly closed.
To help clear up your infection completely, keep usingthis medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your symptomshave disappeared. Do not miss any doses.
Dosing?The dose of gentamicin otic will be differentfor different patients. Follow your doctor's orders orthe directions on the label. The following information includes onlythe average doses of gentamicin otic. If your dose isdifferent, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
- For ear drops dosage form:
- For ear infections:
- Adults and children 6 years of age and older?Place three orfour drops in the infected ear three times a day.
- Children younger than 6 years of age?Use and dose must be determinedby your doctor.
Missed dose?If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it assoon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip themissed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Storage?To store this medicine:
- Keep out of the reach of children.
- Store away from heat and direct light.
- Keep the medicine from freezing.
- Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be surethat any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Precautions While Using This Medicine
If yoursymptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, checkwith your doctor.
Side Effects of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects.Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they mayneed medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any ofthe following side effects occur:
Other side effects may occur that usually donot need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatmentas your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if eitherof the following side effects continues or is bothersome:
Other side effects not listed above may also occur insome patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Revised: 06/09/1999
