Gentamicin+Dexamethasone

• Gentamicin+Dexamethasone is used for the treatment of bacterial infections of the eye and surrounding structures like conjunctivitis, keratitis, corneal ulcers, etc.
• It is also used for the prevention of ear infections after burns or cuts, damage from chemical or physical agents, removal of a foreign body, or after ear surgery.
• Gentamicin+Dexamethasone may also be used to treat swelling and redness of the external ear canal, and irritation of the eyes and eyelids.

When should one not use Gentamicin+Dexamethasone

• If you are allergic to dexamethasone, gentamicin, other aminoglycosides, or any other ingredient of Gentamicin+Dexamethasone.
• If you have a condition called myasthenia gravis.
• If you have holes in your eardrum.
• If you have viral infections of the eye or fungal diseases of the ear.
• If you are using this medicine in children for a long period.

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Ear: Local sensitivity
• Eye: Blurred vision, burning sensation, stinging, itching

Other General Warnings

• You have holes in your eardrum.
• You have been using this medicine for a long time.
• You have increased pressure in the eyes, called glaucoma.
• You are using other phosphate-containing eye medications. If you are not sure about these medications, please confirm with your doctor.
• You wear contact lenses.

How Does It Work?

• Gentamicin+Dexamethasone contains a combination of dexamethasone and gentamicin as active substances.
• Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that works as an anti-allergic medicine. It helps to reduce swelling, redness and itching in the eyes and ears.
• Gentamicin is an antibiotic that kills the infection-causing bacteria by blocking their protein production.

Interactions with other medicines

• Since Gentamicin+Dexamethasone is to be applied externally, it is less likely to interact with other medicines.
• However, you should inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, herbals, or supplements to treat any other health condition.
• Also, inform about any other medicines that you are applying to the ear or eye.
• Particular care should be taken if you are taking medicines for the management of fluid accumulation and swelling (ethacrynic acid, furosemide), prevention of organ rejection after transplant (cyclosporine), cancer (cisplatin), fungal infections (amphotericin B), and seizures/fits (phenytoin, phenobarbital), tuberculosis (rifampicin), low blood pressure (ephedrine), and inflammation (glucocorticoids).
• Caution is advised in patients who have received curare-type muscle relaxants during anaesthesia.

Overdose

• Upon accidental ingestion of Gentamicin+Dexamethasone, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital.
• If you think you have applied extra quantities of this medicine, wipe out the excess with a clean tissue or cotton.

Missed a Dose

• If you missed applying Gentamicin+Dexamethasone, apply it as soon as you remember.
• If it's time for your next application, then skip the missed application and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
• Do not overapply to compensate for the missed application.