GENERIC NAME: GENTAMICIN W/BETAMETHASONE EYE OINTMENT (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 results, this medication must be used as directed, usually 2 to 3 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 tube's tip or let it touch your eye. Tilt your head back, gaze upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place tube directly over eye and squeeze a small amount into the pouch. Gently roll your eye for 1 to 2 minutes to spread the ointment. Do not rub the eye. Wipe away any excess medication. 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 tube or let it touch your ear. Squeeze a small amount of the ointment onto the outer portion of the ear and gently spread it to the inner ear and surrounding area where the infection resides. Wash hands after use.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may temporarily blur your vision, 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, itching, swelling, redness or pain in or around the eyes/ears while using this medication. If using for your eyes, notify your doctor of vision changes. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have any other infections, diseases, any other eye/ear problems and of any allergies you may have. Avoid use with a perforated ear drum. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
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.
- Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) - Learn about vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), the most common type of infection acquired while hospitalized. People most susceptible to VRE are those with diabetes, elderly, ICU patients, kidney failure patients, or patients requiring catheters.
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
Interactive Slideshows