Drug Detail:Gentamicin ophthalmic (Gentamicin ophthalmic [ jen-ta-mye-sin-off-thal-mik ])
Drug Class: Ophthalmic anti-infectives
Usual Adult Dose for Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day
Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours
- Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour
Comments:
- The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
- This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.
Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and/or Streptococcus pyogenes
Usual Adult Dose for Corneal Ulcers
Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day
Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours
- Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour
Comments:
- The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
- This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.
Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and/or Streptococcus pyogenes
Usual Adult Dose for Keratitis
Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day
Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours
- Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour
Comments:
- The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
- This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.
Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and/or Streptococcus pyogenes
Usual Adult Dose for Keratoconjunctivitis
Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day
Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours
- Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour
Comments:
- The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
- This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.
Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and/or Streptococcus pyogenes
Usual Adult Dose for Blepharitis
Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day
Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours
- Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour
Comments:
- The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
- This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.
Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and/or Streptococcus pyogenes
Usual Adult Dose for Blepharoconjunctivitis
Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day
Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours
- Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour
Comments:
- The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
- This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.
Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and/or Streptococcus pyogenes
Usual Adult Dose for Acute Meibomianitis
Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day
Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours
- Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour
Comments:
- The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
- This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.
Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and/or Streptococcus pyogenes
Usual Adult Dose for Dacryocystitis
Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day
Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours
- Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour
Comments:
- The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
- This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.
Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and/or Streptococcus pyogenes
Usual Adult Dose for Conjunctivitis
Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day
Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours
- Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour
Comments:
- The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
- This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.
Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and/or Streptococcus pyogenes
Usual Pediatric Dose for Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Children (1 month and older):
Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day
Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours
- Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour
Comments:
- The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
- This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.
Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of E aerogenes, E coli, H influenzae, K pneumoniae, N gonorrhoeae, P aeruginosa, S marcescens, S aureus, S epidermidis, S pneumoniae, and/or S pyogenes
Usual Pediatric Dose for Corneal Ulcers
Children (1 month and older):
Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day
Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours
- Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour
Comments:
- The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
- This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.
Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of E aerogenes, E coli, H influenzae, K pneumoniae, N gonorrhoeae, P aeruginosa, S marcescens, S aureus, S epidermidis, S pneumoniae, and/or S pyogenes
Usual Pediatric Dose for Keratitis
Children (1 month and older):
Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day
Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours
- Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour
Comments:
- The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
- This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.
Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of E aerogenes, E coli, H influenzae, K pneumoniae, N gonorrhoeae, P aeruginosa, S marcescens, S aureus, S epidermidis, S pneumoniae, and/or S pyogenes
Usual Pediatric Dose for Keratoconjunctivitis
Children (1 month and older):
Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day
Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours
- Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour
Comments:
- The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
- This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.
Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of E aerogenes, E coli, H influenzae, K pneumoniae, N gonorrhoeae, P aeruginosa, S marcescens, S aureus, S epidermidis, S pneumoniae, and/or S pyogenes
Usual Pediatric Dose for Blepharitis
Children (1 month and older):
Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day
Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours
- Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour
Comments:
- The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
- This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.
Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of E aerogenes, E coli, H influenzae, K pneumoniae, N gonorrhoeae, P aeruginosa, S marcescens, S aureus, S epidermidis, S pneumoniae, and/or S pyogenes
Usual Pediatric Dose for Blepharoconjunctivitis
Children (1 month and older):
Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day
Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours
- Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour
Comments:
- The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
- This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.
Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of E aerogenes, E coli, H influenzae, K pneumoniae, N gonorrhoeae, P aeruginosa, S marcescens, S aureus, S epidermidis, S pneumoniae, and/or S pyogenes
Usual Pediatric Dose for Acute Meibomianitis
Children (1 month and older):
Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day
Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours
- Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour
Comments:
- The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
- This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.
Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of E aerogenes, E coli, H influenzae, K pneumoniae, N gonorrhoeae, P aeruginosa, S marcescens, S aureus, S epidermidis, S pneumoniae, and/or S pyogenes
Usual Pediatric Dose for Dacryocystitis
Children (1 month and older):
Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day
Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours
- Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour
Comments:
- The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
- This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.
Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of E aerogenes, E coli, H influenzae, K pneumoniae, N gonorrhoeae, P aeruginosa, S marcescens, S aureus, S epidermidis, S pneumoniae, and/or S pyogenes
Usual Pediatric Dose for Conjunctivitis
Children (1 month and older):
Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day
Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours
- Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour
Comments:
- The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
- This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.
Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of E aerogenes, E coli, H influenzae, K pneumoniae, N gonorrhoeae, P aeruginosa, S marcescens, S aureus, S epidermidis, S pneumoniae, and/or S pyogenes
Usual Pediatric Dose for Surgical Prophylaxis
American Academy of Pediatrics Recommendations: Apply multiple drops to the affected eye(s) 2 to 24 hours prior to the procedure
Comment: Susceptibility of isolates should be considered when determining treatment.
Use: Preoperative antimicrobial prophylaxis in neonatal patients older than 72 hours and children undergoing ophthalmic procedures with the following likely pathogens: Enteric gram-negative bacilli, Pseudomonas species, S aureus, S epidermidis, and/or streptococci
Renal Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Liver Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Precautions
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
- Hypersensitivity to the active component or to any of the ingredients
NARROW THERAPEUTIC INDEX:
- This drug should be considered a narrow therapeutic index (NTI) drug as small differences in dose or blood concentrations may lead to serious therapeutic failures or adverse drug reactions.
- Generic substitution should be done cautiously, if at all, as current bioequivalence standards are generally insufficient for NTI drugs.
- Additional and/or more frequent monitoring should be done to ensure receipt of an effective dose while avoiding unnecessary toxicities.
Safety and efficacy have not been established in neonates.
Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.
Dialysis
Data not available
Other Comments
Administration advice:
- This drug should not be injected or introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.
- During administration, the tip of the container should not touch the eye, eyelid, or any other surface.
Storage requirements:
- Ophthalmic ointment: Store at 2 to 30C
- Ophthalmic solution: Store at or below 25C; protect from light and keep container tightly closed when not in use.
Patient advice:
- Inform patients that this drug may cause blurred vision, and they should avoid driving or operating machinery if these side effects occur.
- Advise patients to speak to their healthcare provider if they become pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
