Gentamicin is an antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections of the ear.
Use Gentamicin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.
To use this medicine, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Clean the outer ear gently from any discharge before use.
- Tilt your head or lie down on your side.
- Gently pull your upper ear up and back. Insert the nozzle into the affected ear and instil the required number of drops.
- Keep your head tilted or remain lying down for at least 3-5 minutes.
- Replace and tighten the cap of the bottle.
- Wash your hands after.
Do not allow the tip of the dropper of this medicine to touch your ears or any other surface.
Do not share your ear drops with anyone else.
Use Gentamicin at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Instil the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.
If you often forget to instil your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not use Gentamicin if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or similar antibiotics such as amikacin, tobramycin, and neomycin.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- known or suspected damaged or perforated eardrum
as Gentamicin may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have a personal or family history of hearing problems.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Avoid long-term use of Gentamicin ear drops.
Individuals who have certain variants in the MT-RNR1 gene may have an increased risk of developing hearing loss with this medicine. Although not routinely done, your doctor may advise you to undergo genetic testing to check if Gentamicin is best suited for you. If you know you have this gene type, inform your doctor. Monitor for signs of hearing loss and let your doctor know immediately.
Your doctor may need to check your ears regularly to make sure that your hearing is normal while you are using this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have your ears checked.
Gentamicin may cause any of the following side effects: ear irritation and burning or stinging sensation in the ears.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- dizziness with sensations of spinning, ringing in the ears, hearing loss
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Store below 25°C, away from the reach of children.
Protect from excessive heat.
Throw away any remaining ear drops 4 weeks after opening. Mark the date of opening on the ear drop bottle so that you know when to discard it.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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