Gentamicin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria.

Gentamicin topical (for use on the skin) is used to treat skin infections caused by bacteria.

Gentamicin topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Before you apply gentamicin topical, wash and thoroughly dry the infected skin.

Gently wash away any crusts from the infected skin. This will help the medicine better penetrate the infection more easily

Apply a small amount of gentamicin topical to the affected area.

Cover the skin with a gauze dressing if desired.

Keep your hands and skin clean to avoid further infection.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Usual Adult Dose for Skin and Structure Infection:

Apply a small amount topically to lesions 3 to 4 times a day

Comments:
-Cream or ointment should be applied gently.
-Area may be covered with a gauze dressing if desired.
-In the treatment of impetigo contagiosa, the crusts should be removed prior to application of this drug to permit maximum contact between antibiotic and infection.

Uses: For the treatment of primary skin infections (e.g., impetigo contagiosa, superficial folliculitis, ecthyma, furunculosis, sycosis barbae, and pyoderma gangrenosum); for the treatment of secondary skin infections (e.g., infectious eczematoid dermatitis, pustular acne, pustular psoriasis, infected seborrheic dermatitis, infected contact dermatitis [including poison ivy], infected excoriations, and bacterial superinfections of fungal or viral infections)

Usual Pediatric Dose for Skin and Structure Infection:

Greater than 1 year: Apply a small amount topically to lesions 3 to 4 times a day

Comments:
-Cream or ointment should be applied gently.
-Area may be covered with a gauze dressing if desired.
-In the treatment of impetigo contagiosa, the crusts should be removed prior to application of this drug to permit maximum contact between antibiotic and infection.

Uses: For the treatment of primary skin infections (e.g., impetigo contagiosa, superficial folliculitis, ecthyma, furunculosis, sycosis barbae, and pyoderma gangrenosum); for the treatment of secondary skin infections (e.g., infectious eczematoid dermatitis, pustular acne, pustular psoriasis, infected seborrheic dermatitis, infected contact dermatitis [including poison ivy], infected excoriations, and bacterial superinfections of fungal or viral infections)

You should not use gentamicin topical if you are allergic to gentamicin.

Gentamicin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 1 year old.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

An overdose of gentamicin topical is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have signs of a new skin infection--swelling, warmth, redness, or oozing.

Common side effects of gentamicin topical may include:

• itching; or

• skin redness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish topical gentamicin, call your doctor.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.