how does this medication work? what will it do for me?
gentamicin belongs to the family of medications called antibiotics. it is used to treat infections of the skin caused by certain bacteria. it is applied directly to the affected area, and works by blocking the metabolism of the bacteria, which kills them.
your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. as well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. if you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are using this medication, speak to your doctor. do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. it can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
what form(s) does this medication come in?
ratio-gentamicin is no longer being manufactured for sale in canada and is no longer available under any brand names. this article is being kept available for reference purposes only. if you are using this medication, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for information about your treatment options.
how should i use this medication?
before applying the medication, wash the area with mild soap and water and dry thoroughly. gently apply a small amount of cream or ointment to the lesions 3 times daily until the affected area improves. your doctor may instruct you to cover the area with a gauze dressing.
many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. if your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
it is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. use it for the full duration of prescribed treatment even if the area starts to look better. if you miss a dose of this medication, apply it as soon as you remember. if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one. if you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
who should not take this medication?
do not use this medication if you are:
- allergic to gentamicin or any ingredients of the medication.
what side effects are possible with this medication?
many medications can cause side effects. a side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
the side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who uses this medication. if you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
the following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people using this medication. many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- itching, redness, swelling, or other sign of irritation not present before use of this medication
some people may experience side effects other than those listed. check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. these factors may affect how you should use this medication.
prolonged use: using gentamicin topical ointment or cream in large amounts for a long period of time may cause an overgrowth of fungi and bacteria that are resistant to the effects of the medication.
severe or resistant skin lesions: treatment of severe skin lesions or skin lesions that are resistant to treatment with gentamicin may need an extra antibacterial medication. if the area being treated does not improve within a few days or worsens at any time, call your doctor.
pregnancy: this medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. if you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
breast-feeding: this medication passes into breast milk. if you are a breast-feeding mother and are using gentamicin topical preparations, it may affect your baby. talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
what other drugs could interact with this medication?
if you are applying additional medications to the area of the skin being treated, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. also tell them about any supplements you take. since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
an interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
all material copyright mediresource inc. 1996 – 2023. terms and conditions of use. the contents herein are for informational purposes only. always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/ratio-gentamicin