Dosing and uses of Gentamicin ophthalmic (Garamycin Ophthalmic, Genoptic)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
ophthalmic solution/ointment
- 0.3%
Conjunctivitis & Postoperative Prophylaxis
Apply 1/2 inch BID-TID (ointment); 1-2 gtt q2-4hr PRN (soln), if severe up to 2gtt q1hr
Used in keratitis in FORTIFIED preparation from injectable (instead of 3 mg/mL, used in 10-15 mg/mL concentration); very effective in q15-30min interval, reduce q1hr in 24-48hr as determined clinically
See also combo with prednisolone
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
ophthalmic solution/ointment
- 0.3%
Conjunctivitis & Postoperative Prophylaxis
Apply 1/2 inch BID-TID (ointment); 1-2 gtt q2-4hr PRN (soln), if severe up to 2gtt q1hr
Used in keratitis in FORTIFIED preparation from injectable (instead of 3 mg/mL, used in 10-15 mg/mL concentration); very effective in q15-30min interval, reduce q1hr in 24-48hr as determined clinically
Gentamicin ophthalmic (Garamycin Ophthalmic, Genoptic) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Contain other ingredients such as parabens which may also cause allergic contact dermatitis
Transient irritation, burning, stinging
Increased redness, lacrimation
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to aminoglycosides or any component of product
Cautions
May result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms including fungi
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: safety in nursing infants unknown
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Gentamicin ophthalmic (Garamycin Ophthalmic, Genoptic)
Absorption: into aqueous humor; greatest when cornea is abraded
Mechanism of action
Appears to inhibit protein synthesis in susceptible bacteria by irreversibly binding to 30S ribosomal subunits
