Gentamicin Topical

Topical gentamicin is used for treating skin infections caused by susceptible bacteria.

Topical gentamicin is applied to the affected area 3 to 4 times daily.

Before applying gentamicin, wash the affected area with soap and water, and dry thoroughly. Apply a small amount to the affected area and rub in gently.

After gentamicin is applied, the treated area may be covered with a gauze dressing if desired.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep using gentamicin for the full time of treatment, even though your symptoms may have disappeared. Do not miss any doses.

Dosing

The dose of gentamicin will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of gentamicin. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For topical dosage forms (cream or ointment):
  • For bacterial infections:
    • Adults and children 1 year of age and over—Apply to affected area(s) of the skin three or four times a day.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of gentamicin, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

• It is used to treat skin infections.

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take gentamicin. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Do not use longer than you have been told. A second infection may happen.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

Use gentamicin as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Do not take this medicine by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
• Use as you have been told, even if your signs get better.
• Wash your hands before and after use. Do not wash your hands after use if putting this on your hand.
• Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
• Put a thin layer on the affected skin and rub in gently.
• The treated part may be covered with a dressing.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Put on a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not put on 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

• Store at room temperature.
• 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.

Interferes with bacterial protein synthesis by binding to 30S ribosomal subunit resulting in a defective bacterial cell membrane

Absorption

Systemic absorption is reported following topical application to burn patients (Sawchuk 1980).

Store at controlled room temperature of 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).

• Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)

• Have patient report immediately to prescriber severe skin irritation (HCAHPS).

• Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.

Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for healthcare professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience and judgment in diagnosing, treating and advising patients.