Gentamicin for ophthalmology is used to treat specific eye infections. Gentamicin is a member of the antibiotics drug class. By eradicating the infection-causing germs, it works.

Gentamicin for use in the eyes is available as an eye ointment and as a solution (liquid) to be injected into the eyes. Every 4 to 8 hours, eye drops are often administered, and every 2 to 4 hours, eye ointment is typically applied. Pay close attention to the instructions on your prescription label, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to clarify any points you do not understand. Follow the label’s instructions when using gentamicin eye drops or eye ointment. Use only as directed by your doctor, neither more nor less of it, nor more frequently.

Follow these steps to administer the eye drops:

• Use soap and water to thoroughly wash your hands.
• Make sure the dropper tip is not broken or chipped by inspecting it.
• Eye drops and droppers must be kept clean; avoid contacting the dropper tip to your eye or anything else.
• Pull your lower eyelid down to create a pocket with your index finger while cocking your head back.
• With your other hand, place the dropper as near to your eye as you can without touching it, tip down.
• Place the hand’s remaining fingers to your face.
• Squeeze the dropper gently while looking up so that a single drop falls into the lower eyelid’s pocket. Your index finger should be taken off the lower eyelid.
• Tip your head down so that you are looking at the floor while closing your eyes for two to three minutes. Avoid blinking or squeezing your eyelids.
• Give the tear duct a slight squeeze with your finger.
• Use a tissue to remove any extra liquid from your face.
• Wait at least 5 minutes before administering the subsequent drop if you need to use more than one in the same eye.
• Replace and secure the dropper bottle’s cap. Never rinse or clean the dropper tip.
• To get rid of any medication, wash your hands.

Observe these steps to apply the eye ointment:

• Use soap and water to thoroughly wash your hands.
• Apply the cream yourself or have someone else do it.
• Do not touch the tube’s tip to your eye or to anything else. Keep the ointment tidy at all times.
• Lean your head slightly forward.
• Place the tube as close to your eyelid as you can without touching it while holding it between your thumb and index finger.
• Put the hand’s remaining fingers against your cheek or nose.
• Pull your lower eyelid down to create a pocket with the index finger of your other hand.
• In the space created by the lower lid and the eye, dab some ointment. In most cases, a 1/2-inch (1.25-centimeter) strip of ointment is sufficient unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.
• To help the medication be absorbed, gently close your eyes and hold them closed for one to two minutes.
• Immediately replace and tighten the cap.
• With a fresh tissue, remove any extra ointment from your eyes and lashes. Rewash your hands.

Other prescriptions for this drug are possible. For more information, consult your physician or pharmacist.

Before using gentamicin eye drops or eye ointment,

• If you have any medicine or antibiotic allergies, let your doctor and pharmacist know right away.
• Let your doctor and pharmacist know what prescription and over-the-counter medicines, particularly vitamins and other eye drugs, you are taking.
• Inform your doctor if you are expecting, intend to get pregnant, or are already nursing a baby. Call your doctor right away if you find out you’re pregnant while taking gentamicin.
• You should be aware that when receiving gentamicin ophthalmic ointment treatment, your vision may get fuzzy. Even if your vision is fuzzy, refrain from rubbing your eyes. If you can’t see clearly, avoid operating machinery or driving a car.
• If you use soft contact lenses, let your doctor know. While you have an eye infection, you shouldn’t wear contact lenses.

If you miss a dosage, administer it as soon as you remember. If the next dose is soon due, skip the missed one and carry on with your regular dosing plan. Never administer or apply a second dose to make up for one that was missed.

Side effects from gentamicin eye drops or eye ointment are possible. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Stinging, burning, or irritation of the eyes
• Inflammation of the eye

Keep this medication out of the reach of children and tightly closed in the original container. Keep it at normal temperature, away from sources of extreme heat, and dry (not in the bathroom).

To make sure that pets, kids, and other people cannot take leftover pharmaceuticals, they should be disposed of in a specific manner. You shouldn’t flush this medication down the toilet, though. The best option to get rid of your medication is instead through a medication take-back program. To find out about take-back initiatives in your neighborhood, speak with your pharmacist or get in touch with your city’s waste/recycling department. If you do not have access to a take-back program, you can find more information at the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p).

As many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Keep all of your doctor’s appointments.

Do not share your medication with anybody else. Any queries you may have regarding medication refills should be directed to your pharmacist.

Call your doctor if you continue to experience infection symptoms after using the gentamicin eye drops or eye ointment has finished.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.