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Overview: Gentamicin ophthalmic is used to treat eye infections. It works by killing certain types of bacteria. Common side effects may include eye stinging or irritation or blurry vision. Call your health care provider if your eye infection does not go away or you have symptoms such as worsening discharge, swelling, or pain. Gentamicin ophthalmic is available as an eye drop and an eye ointment.

Uses

What is gentamicin ophthalmic used for?

Gentamicin ophthalmic (eye) is an antibiotic commonly used to treat certain bacterial infections of the eye and the skin around the eyes (such as eyelids), such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) or blepharitis. 

Gentamicin ophthalmic may not be the right medicine for some of the infections listed above, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Bacteria in some locations may have become resistant to gentamicin ophthalmic, which will make it not work as well.

Gentamicin ophthalmic may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does gentamicin ophthalmic work (mechanism of action)?

Gentamicin ophthalmic kills certain types of bacteria by preventing them from making proteins.

How is gentamicin ophthalmic supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Garamycin
  • Gentak

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.3% eye drop
  • 0.3% eye ointment

For information on other dosage forms, see Gentamicin and Gentamicin Topical.

How should I store gentamicin ophthalmic?

Eye Drop. Gentamicin eye drops should be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator, between 36 F and 77 F (2 C and 25 C). Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure how to store your gentamicin eye drops. Avoid exposure to excessive heat.

Eye Ointment. Gentamicin eye ointment should be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator, between 36 F and 86 F (2 C and 30 C). 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of gentamicin ophthalmic?

The most common side effects of gentamicin ophthalmic are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Eye burning or irritation
  • Eye redness
  • Blurry vision

There may be other side effects of gentamicin ophthalmic that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of gentamicin ophthalmic?

While less common, the most serious side effects of gentamicin ophthalmic are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Gentamicin ophthalmic may rarely cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using gentamicin ophthalmic and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Blood Disorder. Gentamicin ophthalmic may rarely cause a condition called thrombocytopenic purpura, where you have low levels of platelets. Platelets help form blood clots and prevent bleeding. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of thrombocytopenic purpura.

  • Easy bruising
  • Pinpoint red spots on the skin
  • Abnormal bleeding, such as nosebleeds or bleeding gums

Hallucinations. Gentamicin ophthalmic may rarely cause hallucinations, where you see, hear, or feel things that are not there. Call your health care provider right away if you are having hallucinations.

Another Infection With Prolonged Use. Using gentamicin ophthalmic for a long time may lead to an infection with other types of germs, such as fungi. Stop using gentamicin ophthalmic and call your health care provider if your eye infection does not improve or you have symptoms such as worsening pus discharge, swelling, or pain.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use gentamicin ophthalmic?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use gentamicin ophthalmic products.

  • Gentamicin
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific gentamicin ophthalmic products they stock.

What should I know about gentamicin ophthalmic before using it?

Do not use gentamicin ophthalmic unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share gentamicin ophthalmic with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep gentamicin ophthalmic out of the reach of children.

Gentamicin ophthalmic should only be applied to the surface of the eye. Do not touch the tip of the medicine container to your eye, eyelid, or any other surface, including your finger. Do not inject gentamicin ophthalmic into the eye.

What should I tell my health care provider before using gentamicin ophthalmic?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if gentamicin ophthalmic is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how gentamicin ophthalmic could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use gentamicin ophthalmic while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if gentamicin ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. 

Interactions

Does gentamicin ophthalmic interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between gentamicin ophthalmic and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect gentamicin ophthalmic.

Does gentamicin ophthalmic interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between gentamicin ophthalmic and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much gentamicin ophthalmic?

If you or someone else has used too much gentamicin ophthalmic, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of gentamicin ophthalmic?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

It is important to complete your prescribed course of gentamicin ophthalmic, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to gentamicin ophthalmic or other similar medicines.