Garamycin (Ophthalmic Route)

Garamycin (ophthalmic route) is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. Its ophthalmic preparation is used to treat infections of the eye.

Gentamicin is available only with your doctor's prescription.

This product is available in the following dosage forms:

• Ointment
• Solution

Before using Garamycin (ophthalmic route), you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. So, the benefits of a drug should always be weighed against its associated risks. Your doctor will consider these risks before prescribing the drug and will inform you about them.

Following factors should be considered before taking this drug:

• Allergies: If you have had an allergic reaction to this drug in the past, inform your doctor. You should also tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any other drugs or food products.

• Age specific problems: The data regarding the effects of this medicine specific to the pediatric age group is not yet available; however gentamicin should be used with caution in children.

  The studies specific to the geriatric age group have not revealed any excessive adverse, that would limit the use of this drug in old age group. 

• Pregnancy: Regarding the safety of usage of this drug during pregnancy, it comes under “D” category, which means that clinical trials on animals have revealed harmful effects to the developing fetus but it may be used very cautiously in life threatening situations.

• Drug Interactions: Certain drugs should not be used together because they can interact inside the body which can have a harmful effect. On the other hand certain drugs are allowed to be used together. So, you should tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking.

  If there is a chance of interaction between those two drugs, the doctor may change the dose or may prescribe an alternative drug. The use of gentamicin with following drugs is usually not recommended:

  • Cidofovir
  • Alcuronium
  • Atracurium
  • Decamethonium
  • Cisatracurium
  • Colistimethate Sodium
  • Doxacurium
  • Foscarnet
  • Ethacrynic Acid
  • Fazadinium
  • Gallamine
  • Furosemide
  • Hexafluorenium
  • Mivacurium
  • Lysine
  • Metocurine
  • Pancuronium
  • Rocuronium
  • Pipecuronium
  • Rapacuronium
  • Succinylcholine
  • Vecuronium
  • Tubocurarine
  • Vancomycin

Furthermore, certain medications should not be taken with alcohol or tobacco, which may also result in harmful interactions. Ask your doctor about the concurrent use of this drug along with alcohol or tobacco. 

If you are using the eye drops or solution form of Garamycin, follow these instructions:

The bottle of medicine is only half full to provide proper drop control.

To use:

First, clean your hands gently and then tilt your head backwards.

Now, push the skin of your lower eyelid with a finger and create a small space between your eyelid and eyeballs.

Apply the medicine in this space.

Now, leave the lower eyelid and close your eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed for 1 to 2 minutes.

Do not wear contact lenses during treatment.

If you think you did not get the drop of medicine into your eye properly, use another drop.

To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed.

Do not miss any dose. The dose of this drug varies according to the condition of each person. The number of doses per day, the time interval between the doses and the length of time you have to take the medicine depends on your condition individually and all these factors should only be determined by your healthcare provider. Follow each and every instruction of your doctor and also read the label carefully.

Storage

This medicine should be stored at room temperature within a closed container, away from heat, direct light and moisture. Keep this drug out of the reach of children. Do not store expired or outdated medicines or medicine no longer needed.

In using Garamycin ophthalmic, you must be careful and take some precautions as advised by your doctor.

Contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not go away after a few days.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Garamycin ophthalmic. Although these side effects may occur only in a handful of patients, if they do occur, contact your physician immediately.

Medication cause lesser side effects when they are applied through ophthalmic route.

Gantamicin can cause blurring of vision. Seek medical help instantly, if you experience any of these symptoms while on this medication.

Also, contact your healthcare professional immediately, if have overdosed on this drug. If any of these side effects becomes more bothersome or does not go away, contact your doctor.