Gentamicin is a broad spectrum antibiotic that is used against infections of sensitive bacteria. There are many commercial brands that contain Gentamicin in their composition and there are also combined with other antibiotics to treat Staphylococci and certain species of Streptococci.
Index
What is Gentamicin for?
Gentamicin is used to treat skin inflammations associated with bacterial infections such as:
• Acne
• Psoriasis
• Dermatitis pustulentas
• Excoriations and wounds with risk of bacterial contamination, etc.
• Eye infections.
• Burns.
• Abscesses.
• Air tract infections.
• Gynecological infections.
• Neonatal infections.
• Severe gram negative infections.
Gentamicin treatment
Injectable Gentamicin is administered intramuscularly, although in certain cases it can also be given intravenously, but the indications are that it is given very slowly. The doses will be according to the seriousness of the situation.
The Gentamicin cream is applied:
First of all, hands should be well sanitized with soap and water. Then the cream is applied to the affected area.
The first days gentamicin cream should be applied covering the interested area, the wound or the infection. It should be repeated 3 or 4 times a day. When one observes that the infection begins to improve, the number of applications is lowered to 1 or 2 per day until the symptoms disappear.
In addition to the wound, it should be placed in the healthy part that surrounds it and then preferably protected with gauze.
The Gentamicin ophthalmic may be drops or ointment:
• In the case of eye drops with Gentamicin a: Obviously, first of all we must sanitize our hands. We will need a mirror so that we can apply the drops to the eye or ask someone else to help us. Avoid touching the eye with the tip of the tube and not touching anything else. Generally, the indicated dose is put on the bottle every 8 hours.
• In the case of Gentamicin ointment : Hands should be sanitized, as in the previous case, use a mirror or request help. The tube is held between the index finger and the thumb, the tube is brought to the eye, the other fingers are placed on the cheek, with the index finger of the other hand the eyelids of the affected eye are separated and a small amount of the ointment is applied . The eye is closed for a few minutes and is repeated 3 or 4 times a day.
Unwanted effects and contraindications of Gentamicin
The cream based on Gentamine 0.1% is effective and well tolerated. The only possible unwanted effect is a slight transient irritation at the level of the treated area that normally does not require the interruption of the therapy.
Gentamicin ophthalmic can cause eye irritation. Also inflammation.
Other possible disorders or unwanted effects of Gentamicin can be:
• Kidney and urinary disorders.
• Turns in the ear or in the labyrinth.
• Disorders in the nervous system.
• Immune system disorders.
• Gastrointestinal disorders.
The application of the aminoglycoside Gentamicin is contraindicated in hypersensitive subjects, in pregnant or lactating women. It is also not indicated for premature babies and neither in older individuals and with kidney failure.
What happens if you miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, you should when you agree to apply it right away and continue with the schedule as stipulated. But don’t make the mistake of taking a double dose when you forgot one.
Once the treatment given by the doctor has finished, if the infection persists, consult the doctor again.
How to store the Gentamicillin pack
The medicine should be kept in its original container, kept tightly closed and out of the reach of children. It should be in a cool place where there is no humidity or excess heat. it is not advisable to do it in the bathrooms. Once the treatment is finished we advise to throw away the medicines.
Dr. Samantha Robson ( CRN: 0510146-5) is a nutritionist and website content reviewer related to her area of expertise. With a postgraduate degree in Nutrition from The University of Arizona, she is a specialist in Sports Nutrition from Oxford University and is also a member of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.