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 before using Gentamicin.
- 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 10 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. Recap immediately after use. If this medicine becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your ears.
Do not share your ear drops with anyone else.
If you have been given any other ear drops or other medicines to be used together with Gentamicin, wait for at least 5 minutes before using the other medicine.
Use Gentamicin at regular intervals. The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the frequency of application depending on your infection. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Use 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 under any circumstances.
If you often forget to use your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not use this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Gentamicin.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- a hole or a tear in your eardrums
as Gentamicin may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- personal or family history of hearing loss
- severe dizziness with ringing in the ears
Prolonged use of Gentamicin is not advisable. Use only as instructed by your doctor.
Individuals who have a certain mitochondrial disease (mutations or changes in the parts of your cells which help make energy) may experience an increased risk of 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 disease, inform your doctor.
Your doctor may need to check your ears regularly while you are being treated with this medicine to make sure that your hearing is normal. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have this test.
Gentamicin may cause any of the following side effects: ear irritation and burning or stinging sensation of the ears.
If you develop any hearing problems, stop using Gentamicin and inform your doctor quickly.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are using any other medicines in your ears.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking 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.
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 the bottle was opened.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.