GENTAMICIN (Topical)

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.?

• Garamycin
• Gentamar
• G-Myticin

In Canada?

• Garamycin

Generic name product may be available in the U.S.

Category

• Antibacterial, topical

Description

Gentamicin (jen-ta-MYE-sin) belongs to the familyof medicines called antibiotics. Gentamicin topical preparations are usedto treat infections of the skin.

Gentamicin is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the followingdosage forms:

Topical
• Cream (U.S. and Canada)
• Ointment (U.S. and Canada)

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 topical gentamicin,the following should be considered:

Allergies?Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual orallergic reaction to this medicine or 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 or dyes.

Pregnancy?Gentamicin topical preparations have not been shownto cause birth defects or other problems in humans.

Breast-feeding?Gentamicin topical preparations have not been reportedto cause problems in nursing babies.

Children?This medicine has been tested in children over 1year of age and, in effective doses, has not been shown to cause differentside effects or problems than it does in adults.

Older adults?Many medicine 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 medicines?Although certain medicines should not be usedtogether at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used togethereven if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want tochange the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health careprofessional if you are using any other topical prescription or nonprescription(over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine that is to be applied to the same area ofthe skin.

Proper Use of This Medicine

Before applyingthis medicine, wash the affected area with soap and water, and dry thoroughly.Apply a small amount to the affected area and rub in gently.

After this medicine is applied, the treated area may be covered with agauze dressing if desired.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep usingthis medicine for the full time of treatment, even though your symptomsmay have disappeared. Do not miss any doses.

Dosing?The dose of topical gentamicin will be differentfor different patients. Follow your doctor's orders orthe directions on the label. The following information includes onlythe average dose of topical gentamicin. If your doseis different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For topical dosage forms (cream or ointment):
  • For bacterial infections:
    • Adults and children 1 year of age and over?Apply to affectedarea(s) of the skin three or four times a day.

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 yourskin problem does not improve within 1 week, or if it becomes 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 sideeffects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any ofthe following side effects occur:

Less common

Other side effectsnot listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any othereffects, check with your doctor.