DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Gentamicin; Prednisolone

March 21, 2017

Gentamicin Sulfate, Prednisolone Acetate Ophthalmic drops, suspension

What is this medicine?

GENTAMICIN; PREDNISOLONE (jen ta MYE sin pred NISS oh lone) is a combination of a steroid and an aminoglycoside antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial eye infections. It is also used to reduce swelling, redness, and itching of the eye.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • any other active infection

  • glaucoma

  • wear contact lenses

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to gentamicin, prednisolone, corticosteroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is only for use in the eye. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Shake well before using. Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye, fingertips, or other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Close the eye gently to spread the drops. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course of medicine prescribed by your doctor or health care professional even if your condition is better. Do not stop using except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other eye products without telling your doctor or health care professional.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Tell your doctor or health care professional if you are exposed to anyone with measles or chickenpox or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly.

If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor or health care professional when you can use your lenses again.

A burning or stinging reaction that does not go away may mean you are allergic to this product. Stop using and call your doctor or health care professional.

This medicine can make certain eye conditions worse. Only use it for conditions for which your doctor or health care professional has prescribed.

To prevent the spread of infection, do not share eye products, towels and washcloths with anyone else. Throw away any unused eye products.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • changes in vision

  • eye pain

  • severe burning, stinging or swelling of the eyelids

  • watery eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (Report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome.):

  • eye irritation, itching

  • mild burning, redness, or stinging in the eye

  • temporary watering of the eye or blurring vision

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store upright at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Gentamicin Sulfate, Prednisolone Acetate Ophthalmic ointment

What is this medicine?

GENTAMICIN; PREDNISOLONE (jen ta MYE sin pred NISS oh lone) is a combination of a steroid and an aminoglycoside antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial eye infections. It is also used to reduce swelling, redness, and itching of the eye.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • any other active infection

  • glaucoma

  • wear contact lenses

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to gentamicin, prednisolone, corticosteroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is only for use in the eye. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the tube to your eye, fingertips, or other surface. Squeeze the end of the ointment tube to apply a thin layer of the ointment to the inside of the eyelid. Close the eye gently to spread the ointment. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course of medicine prescribed by your doctor or health care professional even if your condition is better. Do not stop using except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other eye products without telling your doctor or health care professional.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Tell your doctor or health care professional if you are exposed to anyone with measles or chickenpox or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly.

If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor or health care professional when you can use your lenses again.

A burning or stinging reaction that does not go away may mean you are allergic to this product. Stop using and call your doctor or health care professional.

This medicine can make certain eye conditions worse. Only use it for conditions for which your doctor or health care professional has prescribed.

To prevent the spread of infection, do not share eye products, towels and washcloths with anyone else. Throw away any unused eye products.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • changes in vision

  • eye pain

  • severe burning, stinging or swelling of the eyelids

  • watery eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (Report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome.):

  • eye irritation, itching

  • mild burning, redness, or stinging in the eye

  • temporary watering of the eye or blurring vision

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert