Pronunciation: jen-ta-MYE-sin
Generic Name: Gentamicin
Brand Name: Gentak (for ointment). Generic only (for cream).
Gentamicin Cream is used for:
Treating skin infections caused by certain bacteria.
Gentamicin Cream is a topical antibiotic. It works by slowing the growth of, or killing, sensitive bacteria.
Do NOT use Gentamicin Cream if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Gentamicin Cream
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Gentamicin Cream:
Tell your health care provider if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have a history of reactions to other topical antibiotics
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Gentamicin Cream. Because little, if any, of Gentamicin Cream is absorbed into the blood, the risk of it interacting with another medicine is low.
Ask your health care provider if Gentamicin Cream may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Gentamicin Cream:
Use Gentamicin Cream as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Wash and completely dry the affected area. Gently rub the medicine in until it is evenly distributed. Wash your hands after applying the medicine.
- If desired, the area can be covered with gauze.
- If you miss a dose of Gentamicin Cream, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Gentamicin Cream.
Important safety information:
- Gentamicin Cream may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Gentamicin Cream. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
- Do not use Gentamicin Cream for future skin problems without checking with your doctor.
- Be sure to use Gentamicin Cream for the full course of treatment. If you do not, the medicine may not clear up your infection completely. The bacteria could also become less sensitive to this or other medicines. This could make the infection harder to treat in the future.
- Long-term or repeated use of Gentamicin Cream may cause a second infection. Tell your doctor if signs of a second infection occur. Your medicine may need to be changed to treat this.
- Gentamicin Cream is for external use only. It should not be used in the eye.
- Gentamicin Cream may cause harm if it is swallowed. If you may have taken it by mouth, contact your poison control center or emergency room right away.
- Gentamicin Cream should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 1 year old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Gentamicin Cream while you are pregnant. It is not known if Gentamicin Cream is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Gentamicin Cream, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Gentamicin Cream:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Application-site irritation (redness and itching); skin sensitivity to sunlight.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); delayed healing of the cornea; redness, itching or swelling of the eyelids; ulcers of the cornea.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.
Proper storage of Gentamicin Cream:
Store Gentamicin Cream at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Keep Gentamicin Cream out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Gentamicin Cream, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Gentamicin Cream is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Gentamicin Cream. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Gentamicin resources
- Gentamicin Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Gentamicin Drug Interactions
- Gentamicin Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Gentamicin - Add your own review/rating
Compare Gentamicin with other medications
- Skin and Structure Infection
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