Gentamicin is a drug to treat infections caused by bacteria. This drug is available in the form of injections, infusions, drops (tinctures), creams, and ointments. This medicine should only be used with a doctor's prescription.
Gentamicin belongs to the class of aminoglycoside antibiotics. This drug works by killing and preventing the growth of bacteria, so the infection can be overcome.
Gentamicin trademark: Bioderm, Betasin, Cendo Genta 1%, Garapon, Gentason, Ikagen, Conigen, Sagestam, Salticin, and Ximex Konigen.
What is Gentamicin?
| group | Antibiotics |
| Category | Prescription drugs |
| Benefit | Treat and prevent infections caused by bacteria |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Gentamicin for pregnant and lactating women | Category D: There is positive evidence of risks to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with life-threatening situations. Gentamicin can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without telling your doctor. |
| Drug form | Injection, drops (tinctures), creams and ointments |
Precautions Before Using Gentamicin:
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of allergies to other aminoglycoside antibiotics, such as amikacin, kanamycin, neomycin, paromomycin, streptomycin, and tobramycin.
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, asthma, myasthenia gravis, Parkinson's disease, neuromuscular disorders, and electrolyte imbalance.
- Tell your doctor if you want to have any immunizations or vaccinations, such as the typhoid vaccine or BCG before using this medicine.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking this medicine.
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery after using gentamicin eye drops, as this may cause blurred vision.
- If you experience an allergic drug reaction or overdose after taking gentamicin, see your doctor immediately.
Gentamicin Dosage and Directions
Gentamicin has different doses, depending on the type of medicine. Below is the division of the dose of gentamicin based on the form of the drug:
- Eye dropsMature: 0.3%, 1-2 drops, maximum 6 times a day.
Children: 0.3%, 1-2 drops, maximum 6 times a day.
- EardropsMature: 0.3%, 2-3 drops in the infected ear area, 3-4 times a day.
Children: 0.3%, 2-3 drops in the infected ear area, 3-4 times a day.
- Creams and OintmentsMature: 0.1-0.3%, 3-4 times a day.
Children: 0.1-0.3%, 3-4 times a day.
Gentamicin in the form of injection is given by a doctor or by medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor. The dose will be adjusted according to the patient's condition and severity of infection.
How to Use Gentamicin Correctly
Use gentamicin according to the doctor's recommendations or the instructions for use listed on the drug package, and according to the dose given by the doctor. The following will explain further how to use gentamicin based on its preparation:
Gentamicin eye/ear drops
Do not forget to always wash your hands and clean the infected area before using gentamicin drops. Put a drop of gentamicin in the area of the eye or ear that is infected, then let stand for a moment. After that, wash your hands again.
Do not wear contact lenses after using gentamicin eye drops, and you should avoid wearing contact lenses until the eye infection clears up.
Continue to use the drug for as long as the doctor prescribes, even if the condition has improved. See your doctor again if the eye or ear infection doesn't get better for more than a week or if the symptoms get worse.
If you forget to use gentamicin drops, use them as soon as you remember, if the time gap between the next dose is not too close. If it is near, ignore the missed dose and do not double the next dose.
Gentamicin ointment and skin cream
Gentamicin ointment and cream types are only used on the skin. Remember to always wash your hands, clean the infected area, and dry them before applying gentamicin cream or ointment.
Apply gentamicin on the infected skin area 3-4 times a day. Cover the area with a sterile gauze bandage after the medication has been applied. Don't forget to always keep the infected area clean, and wash your hands before and after applying the medicine.
Avoid using this medication in the eyes, nose, or mouth. If these areas are accidentally exposed to the drug, clean immediately and rinse under running water. Use gentamicin regularly to get maximum results.
Interaction Gentamicin and Other Drugs
Gentamicin has the potential to cause interactions with a number of drugs when used concurrently. The following are some of the interactions that can occur:
- Lowering effect BCG vaccine live and typhoid vaccine live.
- Increases the risk of kidney problems if used with cispalastin, ciclosporin class of drugs, loop diuretics, amphotericin B, and cisplatin.
- Increase the side effects of gentamicin, when used with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, indomethacin, and naproxen.
Gentamicin Side Effects and Dangers
Gentamicin rarely causes side effects. However, in some cases, the following side effects may appear:
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Tired
- dry mouth
- Nausea and vomiting
- Joint pain
- No appetite
- Difficult to breathe
- Difficult to swallow
- Seizures
- Faint
- Kidney disorders
- Visual disturbance
- Hearing disorders
- Easy bleeding or bruising
If you experience the above symptoms or if an allergic reaction occurs, check with your doctor to get the right treatment.