Gentamicin (Otic Route)

Gentamicin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. Otic preparations of gentamicin are used to treat the infections of ear canal.

Gentamicin is available only with your doctor's prescription.

This product is available in the following dosage forms:

• Solution

 

Before using Gentamicin (otic route), you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Your doctor will consider these risks before prescribing the drug and will inform you about them. Following factors should be considered before taking this drug:

• Allergies: If you have had an allergic reaction to this drug in the past, inform your doctor. You should also tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any other drugs or food products.

• Age specific problems: The data regarding the effects of this medicine specific to the pediatric age group is not yet available. Its safety and efficacy has not been established in children younger than 6 years of age. 
• The studies specific to the geriatric age group have not been carried out, that would limit the use of this drug in old age group.

• Drug Interactions: Certain drugs should not be used together because they can interact inside the body which can have a harmful effect. On the other hand certain drugs are allowed to be used together. So, you should tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking. If there is a chance of interaction between those two drugs, the doctor may change the dose or may prescribe an alternative drug. 

Furthermore, certain medications should not be taken with alcohol or tobacco, which may also result in harmful interactions. Ask your doctor about the concurrent use of this drug along with alcohol or tobacco. 

You should also inform your doctor about any other medical condition you may be suffering from, especially:

• Otitis media or any other ear infection (especially absent or punctured eardrum)—if gentamicin otic preparation is used in patients with these conditions, it can lead to systemic absorption and it can also increase the chances of adverse effects.

To avoid adverse effects, Gentamicin (otic route) should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

To use:

• First lie down or tilt your head so that the affected ear faces up. Straighten the ear canal by gently pulling the ear upwards backwards and laterally. Drop the medicine into the ear canal. Keep the ear in same position for 1 to 2 minutes in order to allow the medicine to completely come in contact with the ear infection. 

A sterile cotton ball can be inserted into the ear to keep medicine from oozing out.

Do not overuse or misuse this drug and do not use it longer than the recommended time. Read all the instructions mentioned in the medication guide. 

Do not miss any dose. The dose of this drug varies according to the condition of each person. The number of doses per day, the time interval between the doses and the length of time you have to take the medicine depends on your condition individually and all these factors should only be determined by your healthcare provider. Follow each and every instruction of your doctor and also read the label carefully.

In case you miss one dose of this drug, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your subsequent dose, you can then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

Storage

This medicine should be stored at room temperature within a closed container, away from heat, direct light and moisture. Keep this drug out of the reach of children. Do not store expired or outdated medicines or the medicine no longer needed. 

Since Gentamicin is an antibiotic, the most important precaution to take is to make sure it won't interfere with other medications or supplements.

Contact your doctor immediately if your symptoms do not improve within a few days of use.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Gentamicin (otic route). Although these side effects may occur only in a handful of patients but if they do occur, contact your physician immediately.

This medication is associated with following side effects:

• Itching, swelling, redness, or other sign of irritation not present before use of this medicine
• Burning in the ear

Seek medical help instantly, if you experience any of these symptoms while on this medication. Also contact your healthcare professional immediately, if have overdosed on this drug. 

If any of these side effects becomes more bothersome or does not go away, contact your doctor.