GENOPTIC® (gentamicin sulfate ophthalmic solution; USP) is a sterile, topical anti-infective agent for ophthalmic use. The active ingredient, gentamicin sulfate, is a water-soluble antibiotic of the aminoglycoside group. Gentamicin is obtained from cultures of Micromonospora purpurea. It is a mixture of the sulfate salts of gentamicin C ₁ , C ₂ , and C _1A . All three components appear to have similar antimicrobial activities. Gentamicin sulfate occurs as a white to buff powder and is soluble in water but insoluble in alcohol.

GENOPTIC® Solution:

Contains: Each mL contains-- Active: gentamicin sulfate equivalent to 3 mg (0.3%) gentamicin base. Preservative: Benzalkonium chloride. Inactives: edetate disodium; polyvinyl alcohol 1.4%; purified water; sodium chloride; sodium phosphate, dibasic; and hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide to adjust the pH. The solution is an aqueous, buffered solution with a pH of 6.5-7.5.

Last updated on RxList: 12/28/2004

Gentamicin Sterile Ophthalmic Solution is indicated in the topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections, including conjunctivitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, acute meibomianitis, and dacryocystitis caused by susceptible strains of the following microorganisms:

Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Serratia marcescens.

Gentamicin Sterile Ophthalmic Solution: Instill one or two drops into the affected eye every 4 hours. In severe infections, dosage may be increased to as much as two drops once every hour.

GENOPTIC® (gentamicin sulfate ophthalmic solution, USP) 0.3% is supplied sterile in white opaque LDPE plastic bottles and tips with white high impact polystyrene (HIPS) caps as follows:

1 mL in 5 mL bottle--NDC 11980-117-01

Note: Store at or below 25°C (77°F). Avoid exposure to excessive heat (104°F/40°C or above).

Store Genoptic Sterile Ophthalmic Solution between 2° and 30° C (36° and 86° F).

Last updated on RxList: 12/28/2004

Bacterial and fungal corneal ulcers have developed during treatment with gentamicin ophthalmic preparations.

The most frequently reported adverse reactions are ocular burning and irritation upon drug instillation, nonspecific conjunctivitis, conjunctival epithelial defects, and conjunctival hyperemia.

Other adverse reactions which have occurred rarely are allergic reactions, thrombocytopenic purpura, and hallucinations.

No information provided.

Last updated on RxList: 12/28/2004

NOT FOR INJECTION INTO THE EYE. Gentamicin Sulfate Ophthalmic Solution is not for injection. It should never be injected subconjunctivally, nor should it be directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.

General

Prolonged use of topical antibiotics may give rise to overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms including fungi. Bacterial resistance to gentamicin may also develop. If purulent discharge, inflammation, or pain becomes aggravated, the patient should discontinue use of the medication and consult a physician.

If irritation or hypersensitivity to any component of the drug develops, the patient should discontinue use of this preparation, and appropriate therapy should be instituted.

Information for Patients

To avoid contamination, do not touch tip of container to the eye, eyelid, or any surface.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

There are no published carcinogenicity or impairment of fertility studies on gentamicin. Aminoglycoside antibiotics have been found to be nonmutagenic.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category C: Gentamicin has been shown to depress body weights, kidney weights, and median glomerular counts in newborn rats when administered systemically to pregnant rats in daily doses approximately 500 times the maximum recommended ophthalmic human dose. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Gentamicin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in neonates have not been established.

Last updated on RxList: 12/28/2004

No information provided.

GARAMYCIN Sterile Ophthalmic Solution is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of the components.

Last updated on RxList: 12/28/2004

Microbiology

Gentamicin sulfate is active in vitro against many strains of the following microorganisms:

Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Serratia marcescens.

Last updated on RxList: 12/28/2004

To avoid contamination, do not touch tip of container to the eye, eyelid, or any surface.

Last updated on RxList: 12/28/2004

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.

GENTAMICIN DROPS - OPHTHALMIC

(jen-ta-MYE-sin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Garamycin, Genoptic, Gentak, Gentasol

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.

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.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

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.

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.

Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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.

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.

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 bathroom

Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised July 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.