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Overview: Gentamicin topical is used to treat skin infections. It works by killing certain types of bacteria. The most common side effects of topical gentamicin are skin irritation and itching. Let your health care provider know if your skin infection does not get better or if it gets worse while using this medicine. Gentamicin is available as a cream and an ointment that is applied to the skin.

Uses

What is topical gentamicin used for?

Topical gentamicin is an antibiotic that is commonly used to treat certain bacterial skin infections, such as impetigo or folliculitis. It is also used to treat infections related to certain skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, or to treat infected burns, sores, or wounds.

Topical gentamicin 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, which will make it not work as well.

Topical gentamicin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does topical gentamicin work (mechanism of action)?

Topical gentamicin kills certain types of bacteria by preventing them from making proteins.

How is topical gentamicin supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Garamycin

Dosage forms and strengths:

Gentamicin is also available in other forms. See Gentamicin and Gentamicin Ophthalmic for more information. 

How should I store topical gentamicin?

Topical gentamicin should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of topical gentamicin?

The most common side effects of topical gentamicin are skin itching or irritation. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of topical gentamicin 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 topical gentamicin?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical gentamicin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical gentamicin 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

Another Infection. Using topical gentamicin may lead to an infection with other types of germs, such as fungi. Stop using topical gentamicin and call your health care provider if your skin infection does not improve or worsens while using topical gentamicin. 

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use topical gentamicin?

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

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

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

What should I know about topical gentamicin before using it?

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

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

Keep topical gentamicin out of the reach of children.

Topical gentamicin is only for use on the skin. It should not be applied to the eyes. 

If you are using topical gentamicin to treat impetigo, remove the crusts before applying. This helps the antibiotic reach the infection.

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

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 topical gentamicin is right for you.

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

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how topical gentamicin 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 topical gentamicin while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

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

Interactions

Does topical gentamicin interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect topical gentamicin.

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

There are no known interactions between topical gentamicin 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 topical gentamicin?

If you or someone else has used too much topical gentamicin, 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 topical gentamicin?

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 topical gentamicin, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to topical gentamicin or other similar medicines.