Gentamicin Ophthalmic Solution

Gentamicin Sulfate Ophthalmic Solution is a sterile, aqueous solution buffered to approximately pH 7.0 and formulated for ophthalmic use.

Each mL contains

Active: Gentamicin Sulfate (equivalent to 3 mg gentamicin).

Inactives: Dibasic Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Chloride, Monobasic Sodium Phosphate, Purified Water. Hydrochloric Acid and/or Sodium Hydroxide may be added to adjust pH (6.5 - 7.5).

Preservative Added: Benzalkonium Chloride 0.01%.

Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic obtained from cultures of Micromonospora purpurea. It is a mixture of the sulfate salts of Gentamicin C1, C2, C1a and C2a. All three components appear to have similar antimicrobial activity.

Gentamicin sulfate occurs as a white to buff powder and is soluble in water and insoluble in alcohol.

The structural formula is as follows:

NOT FOR INJECTION INTO THE EYE

Gentamicin sulfate ophthalmic solution is not for injection. It should never be injected subconjunctivally, nor should it be directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.

General

Prolonged use of topical antibiotics may give rise to overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms including fungi. Bacterial resistance to gentamicin may also develop. If purulent discharge, inflammation or pain becomes aggravated, the patient should discontinue use of the medication and consult a physician. If irritation or hypersensitivity to any component of the drug develops, the patient should discontinue use of this preparation and appropriate therapy should be instituted.

Information for Patients

To avoid contamination, do not touch tip of container to the eye, eyelid or any surface.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

There are no published carcinogenicity or impairment of fertility studies on gentamicin. Aminoglycoside antibiotics have been found to be non-mutagenic.

Pregnancy

Gentamicin has been shown to depress body weights, kidney weights and median glomerular counts in newborn rats when administered systemically to pregnant rats in daily doses approximately 500 times the maximum recommended ophthalmic human dose. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Gentamicin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Instill one or two drops into the affected eye(s) every four hours. In severe infections dosage may be increased to as much as two drops every hour.

GENTAMICIN (jen ta MYE sin) is an aminoglycoside antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial eye infections.

This drug also comes in other forms, including Topical ointment, Topical cream, Injectable solution, Ophthalmic ointment

This drug can cause serious side effects. See which side effects you should report to your doctor right away.

Know how to use your medication, and learn what might happen if you miss a dose.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any of these conditions.

Know what to watch for and get tips for reducing your risks while taking this drug.

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