GENERIC NAME: GENTAMICIN W/BETAMETHASONE EYE-EAR DROPS (jen-tuh-MY-sin/bay-tuh-METH-uh-sown)
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication contains an antibiotic which helps prevent or treat an infection and a steroid which reduces inflammation. It is used in the treatment of various eye (ophthalmic) or ear (otic) conditions.
HOW TO USE: For best effects, this medication must be used as directed, usually 3 to 4 times a day. Do not apply this more often or continue using this for longer than prescribed. Apply to the affected EYE(s) as follows: Wash hands first. To avoid contamination, be careful not to touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye. Shake the container well before using. Tilt your head back, gaze upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place dropper directly over eye and administer the prescribed number of drops. Look downward and gently close your eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of the eye near the nose and apply gentle pressure for a few moments. This will prevent the medication from draining away from the eye. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye. Do not rinse the dropper. Wash hands after use. If you are using another kind of eye medication, wait at least five minutes before applying the other medications. Apply to the affected EAR(s) as follows: Wash hands first. To avoid contamination, be careful not to touch the dropper tip or let it touch your ear. Shake the container well before using. Lie on your side or tilt the affected ear up. Place dropper directly over the ear and administer the prescribed number of drops. To help the drops roll into the ear, in adults, hold the earlobe up and back and in children, hold the earlobe down and back. Keep the head tilted for a minute. Insert a soft cotton plug loosely into the ear if directed to do so. Do not rinse the dropper. If an ear wick is being used, place the ear drops onto the wick and then place the wick in the ear as directed.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may temporarily sting or burn for a minute or two when first applied. If this continues or becomes bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop: a skin rash, burning/irritation/swelling/itching/redness/pain in or around the eyes or ears. If using for your eyes, notify your doctor of: vision changes. If using for your ears, stop using this medication and tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: hearing loss, ringing in the ear, dizziness, loss of coordination. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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