This medication is used to treat and prevent eye infections (e.g., conjunctivitis). It belongs to a class of drugs known as aminoglycoside antibiotics. Gentamicin works by killing bacteria.This medication treats only bacterial eye infections. It will not work for other types of eye infections or for bacterial infections elsewhere in the body. Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.
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Overview | Photos | How
To Use | Side
Effects | Precautions | Missed
Dose | Drug
Interactions | |
Qualamycin Opht
Uses
This medication is used to treat and prevent eye infections (e.g., conjunctivitis). It belongs to a class of drugs known as aminoglycoside antibiotics. Gentamicin works by killing bacteria.This medication treats only bacterial eye infections. It will not work for other types of eye infections or for bacterial infections elsewhere in the body. Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness. Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only.
- Throw away the unused portion after treatment is completed.
- Do not use it later for another infection.
- A different medication may be necessary in that case.
Storage
- Store the US product at room temperature between 36-86 degrees F (2-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
- Avoid freezing this medication or exposing it to high heat.
- Do not store in the bathroom.Store the Canadian product between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
- Avoid freezing this medication or exposing it to high heat.
- Do not store in the bathroomKeep all medicines away from children and pets.
How
To Use - Apply this medication usually every 4 hours or as directed by your doctor.
- For some infections, your doctor may instruct you to apply the medication every hour for the first few days.
- Wash hands before applying.
- To avoid contamination, be careful not to touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this medicine.
- Sterilize contact lenses according to manufacturer's directions, and check with your doctor before you begin using them again.To apply eye drops, tilt your head back, look up, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch.
- Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place 1 drop into the pouch.
- Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure.
- This will prevent the medication from draining out.
- Try not to blink and do not rub your eye.
- Repeat these steps if your dose is for more than 1 drop or for your other eye if so directed .
- Do not rinse the dropper.
- Replace the dropper cap after each use.If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least 5 to 10 minutes before applying other medications.
- Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
- To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.
- Continue using it for the full time prescribed.
- Stopping the medication too soon may allow the bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a return of the infection.Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side
Effects - Eye stinging/burning/redness and temporary blurred vision may occur.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in other types of eye infections, including fungal infections.
- Contact your doctor if you notice new eye symptoms (e.g., pain, swelling, yellow/green discharge).Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: easy bruising/bleeding, mental/mood changes (e.g., hallucinations), vision changes, headache, eye pain.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
- However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before using gentamicin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g., tobramycin); or to parabens; or if you have any other allergies.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: previous eye problems, contact lens use.After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred.
- Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any other activity that requires clear vision.
- Limit alcoholic beverages.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.This drug may pass into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed
Dose - If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
- If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
- Do not double the dose to catch up.
Drug
Interactions - Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
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CONDITIONS
OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information
is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions
or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular
drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional
should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or
discontinuing any course of treatment. |