Product Details

Product Information

What you need to know before you use Gentamicin

Do not use Gentamicin if · you are allergic to Gentamicin or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). · you have or suspect you have a burst ear drum, if you are being treated for a problem with your ear. · you suffer from myasthenia gravis, a disease causing muscle weakness. Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Gentamicin if you · have any problems with your kidneys or liver; · have open wounds or damaged skin; · are using this medicine for a long period of time. · know (or think you have) a mitochondrial disease (mutations in the parts of your cells which help make energy); certain mitochondrial diseases may increase your risk of hearing loss with this product. The drops must not be used in the ear if the ear drum is damaged in any way. Your doctor will check the condition of the ear drum before prescribing the drops. In severe infections treatment with a systemic antibiotic may be necessary in addition to Gentamicin. If any of these apply to you, or if you are not sure, tell your doctor. Other medicines and Gentamicin Tell your doctor if you are taking, or have recently taken, or might take any other medicines including those obtained without a prescription. In particular: · cephalosporins(antibiotics), amphotericin(used to treat fungal infection), cisplatin (used in anti-cancer therapy) or ciclosporin (used to stop the body rejecting bone marrow or organ transplants) which may increase the risk of kidney damage · diuretic medicines such as ethacrynic acid (used in the treatment of high blood pressure and swelling) and furosemide(used in the treatment of congestive heart failure and swelling) which may increase the risk of ear damage · curare-type muscle relaxants · caution is advised when the drops are used with other aminoglycoside antibiotics given by injection. Pregnancy and breast-feeding If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. Gentamicin is not recommended for use in pregnancy or breastfeeding unless considered appropriate by your doctor. Driving and using machines Gentamicin may cause temporary blurred vision when used in the eyes. If you are affected, do not drive or use machinery until the blurring has cleared. Gentamicin contains Benzalkonium Chloride This medicine contains 0.10 mg/ml benzalkonium chloride as a preservative. Benzalkonium chloride may be absorbed by soft contact lenses and may change the colour of the contact lenses. You should remove contact lenses before using this medicine and put them back 15 minutes afterwards. Benzalkonium chloride may also cause eye irritation, especially if you have dry eyes or disorders of the cornea (the clear layer at the front of the eye). If you feel abnormal eye sensation, stinging or pain in the eye after using this medicine, talk to your doctor.