- What is gentamicin ointment? What is gentamicin used for?
- What are the side effects of gentamicin ointment?
- What is the dosage for gentamicin ointment?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with gentamicin ointment?
- Is gentamicin ointment safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about gentamicin ointmentl?
What is gentamicin ointment? What is gentamicin used for?
Topical gentamicin is a broad-spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic prescribed to treat a variety of skin infections caused by susceptible bacteria (for example, impetigo, folliculitis, eczema, psoriasis, and minor burns, cuts, or wounds).
Is gentamicin available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for gentamicin?
Yes
What are the side effects of gentamicin ointment?
Topical gentamicin causes few side effects.
Reported side effects include:
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Reddening of the skin
- Itching
What is the dosage for gentamicin ointment?
Topical gentamicin is applied to the affected area 3 to 4 times daily.
Which drugs or supplements interact with gentamicin ointment?
There are no drug interactions reported for topical gentamicin.

SLIDESHOW
Heart Disease: Causes of a Heart Attack See SlideshowIs gentamicin ointment safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Topical gentamicin has not been adequately evaluated in pregnant women.
- Topical gentamicin is excerpted in breast milk, but adverse effects are not expected in the infant.
Summary
Topical gentamicin (Garamycin has been discontinued) is a broad-spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic prescribed to treat a variety of skin infections caused by susceptible bacteria (for example, impetigo, folliculitis, eczema, psoriasis, and minor burns, cuts, or wounds).
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Folliculitis
Folliculitis is a skin condition that causes small red bumps to form around the hair follicles. Skin bacteria such as Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas may infect the follicles. Treatment involves over-the-counter bacterial washes, topical antibiotics, and/or topical steroids.
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Impetigo
Impetigo is a contagious skin infection caused by staph and strep bacteria. There are two types of impetigo: nonbullous and bullous. Symptoms of nonbullous impetigo include small blisters on the nose, face, arms, or legs and possibly swollen glands. Bullous impetigo signs include blisters in various areas, particularly in the buttocks area. Treatment involves gentle cleansing, removing the crusts of popped blisters, and the application of prescription-strength mupirocin antibiotic ointment.
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Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition that may cause large plaques of red, raised skin, flakes of dry skin, and skin scales. There are several types of psoriasis, including psoriasis vulgaris, guttate psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, and pustular psoriasis. Symptoms vary depending on the type of psoriasis the patient has. Treatment of psoriasis may include creams, lotions, oral medications, injections and infusions of biologics, and light therapy. There is no cure for psoriasis.
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Eczema
Eczema refers to skin inflammation. There are many different types of eczema that produce symptoms and signs that range from oozing blisters to crusty plaques of skin. Treatment varies depending upon the type of eczema the person has.
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Is Eczema Contagious?
Eczema is a skin condition characterized by inflamed, rough skin patches that occasionally produce fluid-filled bumps that may ooze. There is no cure for eczema, though eczema may be treated with moisturization, eczema cream, and topical steroids.
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Brucellosis
The bacteria Brucella causes brucellosis, an infectious zoonotic disease in humans. Symptoms and signs include fatigue, fever, sweating, and appetite loss. The preferred treatment is doxycycline and rifampin taken for 6-8 weeks.
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Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE)
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infection is the most common type of infection acquired by patients while hospitalized. Patients at risk for VRE are those who are already ill, and hospitalized, including individuals with diabetes, elderly, ICU patients, kidney failure patients, or patients requiring catheters. Enterococci can survive for months in the digestive tract and female genital tract. Other risk factors for acquiring VRE include those how have been previously treated with vancomycin and combinations of other antibiotics. Treatment of VRE is generally with other antibiotics other than vancomycin. Prevention of VRE can be achieved by proper hand hygiene.
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Is Psoriasis Contagious?
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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.