Gentamicin eye drops

About gentamicin eye drops

Gentamicin eye drops are used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes or eyelids such as conjuntivitis. The drops kill germs (bacteria) which are the cause of infection. Eye infections are a common cause of conjunctivitis. In conjunctivitis, your eye becomes inflamed, feels gritty, and may water more than usual.

Gentamicin eye drops are also prescribed for minor eye injuries, such as scratches and abrasions to the cornea - the delicate layer covering the surface of your eye. In such cases, the drops are prescribed to prevent an eye infection from developing while the eye heals.

Common side effects of gentamicin eye drops are:

• Mild irritation or itching.

• Burning or stinging.

• Visión borrosa.

A full list of the side effects which can be associated with your medicine, is from the manufacturer's printed information leaflet supplied with the medicine.

Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Si experimenta otros síntomas que cree que pueden deberse a las gotas para los ojos, hable con su médico o farmacéutico para obtener más consejos.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start using gentamicin drops it is important that your doctor knows:

• Si estás embarazada o amamantando.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to gentamicin or to any other antibiotic, or to any other eye drops.

• Si está tomando o usando otros medicamentos. Esto incluye cualquier medicamento que esté tomando y que esté disponible para comprar sin receta, así como medicamentos herbales y complementarios.

Read the leaflet in the pack before using gentamicin eye drops. It explains how to use it and lists possible side effects.

If your eyes have an obvious discharge or 'crust', it can help if you bathe them with cool clean water before using the gentamicin drops.

1. Lávese las manos antes de usar las gotas.

2. Retira la tapa de la botella.

3. Tilt your head back a little and gently pull the lower lid of your eye out to form a pocket.

4. Sostén la botella boca abajo cerca de tu ojo. Intenta no tocar tu ojo mientras haces esto.

5. Gently squeeze the bottle to release one drop into your eye. Only use a second drop if the first drop missed going into your eye.

6. Cierra el ojo durante uno o dos minutos y presiona suavemente el lado de tu nariz donde la esquina de tu ojo se encuentra con tu nariz. Esto ayuda a evitar que la gota se drene y la mantiene en tu ojo.

7. Repite el proceso en tu otro ojo si te han indicado usar las gotas en ambos ojos.

8. Coloca de nuevo la tapa.
   

• Take gentamicin eye drops exactly as your doctor tells you to and always check the label for the correct usage.

  • It is usually 3-4 times a day but may be more frequently, particularly on the first day.

• Try not to miss any doses. If you forget to put the drops in on time, do it as soon as you remember.

• Your eye should feel better in a few days, but keep using gentamicin for 48 hours after it looks normal to make sure all the bacteria are gone.

• The drops may blur your vision for a short time. Wait until you can see clearly before driving or using machines.

• To prevent spreading the infection, wash your hands often, avoid touching your eyes, and don’t share towels or pillows.

• Si la punta del frasco toca tu(s) ojo(s) al poner las gotas, es una buena idea exprimir dos o tres gotas inmediatamente sobre un pañuelo y enjuagar la punta con agua salada.

• Las infecciones oculares pueden hacer que tus ojos se vuelvan más sensibles a la luz solar de lo habitual. Usar gafas de sol puede ayudar a prevenir esto.

• If using other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between each one so your eye can absorb them properly.

• If your symptoms get worse while using gentamicin drops, see your doctor immediately, especially if your eye is painful, sensitive to light, or your vision changes.

• No use lentes de contacto hasta que sus síntomas hayan desaparecido por completo. Espere 24 horas después de la última dosis de gotas para los ojos antes de volver a usar sus lentes.

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y la vista de los niños.

• Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.

• Throw away the bottle of eye drops after you have finished your course of treatment, even if there is some liquid left.

• Do not keep opened bottles to use later, as eye drops must not be used if the bottle has been opened for longer than four weeks.

How long does it take for gentamicin eye drops to work?

Gentamicin eye drops can start to work in just 1 to 2 hours, but visible improvement of symptoms may take a few days.

Can gentamicin eye drops cause nose bleeds?

Nosebleeds are not a known side effect of gentamicin eye drops and are considered very unlikely. If you experience repeated nosebleeds while using them, it’s best to speak with your doctor to rule out another cause.

Is gentamicin a steroid eye drop?

No, gentamicin is an antibiotic eye drop, not a steroid. It works by killing bacteria that cause eye infections rather than reducing inflammation like steroid drops do.

Are gentamicin eye drops painful?

Gentamicin eye drops are usually not painful, though some people may experience mild stinging or burning when first applied. This usually settles quickly and is not harmful.