Gentamicin Eye Drops

• Use the drops exactly as you have been advised by your doctor. It is likely that your doctor will have recommended you use the drops three or four times a day, but it may be more frequently than this, particularly on the first day. Try not to miss any doses. If you forget to put the drops in on time, do it as soon as you remember.
• Your eye should start to feel better within a few days. Even when your eye appears normal again, there may still be some germs present. It is important to continue to use gentamicin for a further 48 hours once your eye appears normal. This will help to make sure that all the germs (bacteria) have been killed.
• When you first put the drops into your eye, they may cause blurred vision. This should quickly clear, but make sure you can see clearly before you drive or use machines or tools.
• Take care to avoid spreading the infection from one eye to the other, and to other members of your family. Washing your hands regularly (particularly after touching your eyes) and not sharing towels or pillows will help to prevent the infection from spreading.
• If the tip of the bottle touches your eye(s) when putting the drops in, it is a good idea to squeeze out two or three drops straightaway on to some tissue and rinse the tip with salt water.
• Eye infections can cause your eyes to become more sensitive to sunlight than usual. Wearing sunglasses may help to prevent this.
• If you are using any other eye drops, leave at least five minutes between applying each preparation. This is to prevent more liquid going into your eye than it can handle. Otherwise the drops will overflow from your eye and not have the intended effect.
• If your symptoms become worse despite using gentamicin drops, you should arrange to see your doctor for advice straightaway. In particular, see your doctor again if your eye becomes painful, if light starts to hurt your eyes, or if your sight is affected.
• Do not wear contact lenses until your symptoms have completely gone. Wait for 24 hours after the last dose of eye drops before using your lenses again.

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Change in eyesight, eye pain, or very bad eye irritation.

• Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
• Protect from heat.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Check with your pharmacist about how to throw out unused drugs.