gentamicin and prednisolone (ophthalmic)
What is the most important information I should know about gentamicin and prednisolone?
You should not use this medicine if you have a viral or fungal eye infection.
What is gentamicin and prednisolone?
Gentamicin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria.
Prednisolone is a steroid that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
Gentamicin and prednisolone ophthalmic (for the eye) is a combination medicine used to treat eye infections caused by bacteria.
Gentamicin and prednisolone ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using gentamicin and prednisolone?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to gentamicin or prednisolone, or if you have:
- a viral or fungal infection in your eye.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether gentamicin and prednisolone ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
Gentamicin and prednisolone ophthalmic is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I use gentamicin and prednisolone?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Wash your hands before using eye medication.
To apply the eye drops:
- Shake before using. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.
- Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
- Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.
Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
To apply the ointment:
- Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the ointment tube with the tip pointing toward this pocket. Look up and away from the tip.
- Squeeze out a ribbon of ointment into the lower eyelid pocket without touching the tip of the tube to your eye. Blink your eye gently and then keep it closed for 1 or 2 minutes.
- Use a tissue to wipe excess ointment from your eyelashes.
- After opening your eyes, you may have blurred vision for a short time. Avoid driving or doing anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.
Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or ointment tube or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper or tube tip can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Gentamicin and prednisolone ophthalmic will not treat a viral or fungal eye infection.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle or tube tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of gentamicin and prednisolone ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.
What should I avoid while using gentamicin and prednisolone?
Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.
What are the possible side effects of gentamicin and prednisolone?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Although the risk of serious side effects is low when steroid medicine is used in the eyes, side effects can occur if the medicine is absorbed into your bloodstream.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- eye swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage (may be signs of infection);
- eye pain, tearing, sensitivity to light;
- blurred vision, tunnel vision, seeing halos around lights; or
- a wound that will not heal.
Stop using this medicine and talk to your doctor if you have new or worsening eye pain or swelling that lasts longer than 48 hours.
Common side effects may include:
- burning, stinging, redness, or other irritation of the eyes;
- feeling like something is in your eye; or
- unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect gentamicin and prednisolone?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on gentamicin and prednisolone used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about gentamicin and prednisolone ophthalmic.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
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