About gentamicin eye drops

Gentamicin eye drops are used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes or eyelids such as congiuntivite. The drops kill germs (bacteria) which are the cause of infection. Eye infections are a common cause of conjunctivitis. In conjunctivitis, your eye becomes inflamed, feels gritty, and may water more than usual.

Gentamicin eye drops are also prescribed for minor eye injuries, such as scratches and abrasions to the cornea - the delicate layer covering the surface of your eye. In such cases, the drops are prescribed to prevent an eye infection from developing while the eye heals.

Common side effects of gentamicin eye drops are:

• Mild irritation or itching.

• Burning or stinging.

• Visione offuscata.

A full list of the side effects which can be associated with your medicine, is from the manufacturer's printed information leaflet supplied with the medicine.

Parla con il tuo medico o farmacista se uno dei seguenti sintomi persiste o diventa fastidioso.

Se si verificano altri sintomi che ritieni possano essere causati dal collirio, parla con il tuo medico o farmacista per ulteriori consigli.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start using gentamicin drops it is important that your doctor knows:

• Se sei incinta o stai allattando.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to gentamicin or to any other antibiotic, or to any other eye drops.

• Se stai assumendo o utilizzando altri medicinali. Questo include qualsiasi medicinale che stai assumendo e che è disponibile per l'acquisto senza prescrizione, così come i medicinali a base di erbe e complementari.

Read the leaflet in the pack before using gentamicin eye drops. It explains how to use it and lists possible side effects.

If your eyes have an obvious discharge or 'crust', it can help if you bathe them with cool clean water before using the gentamicin drops.

1. Lavati le mani prima di usare le gocce.

2. Rimuovi il tappo dalla bottiglia.

3. Tilt your head back a little and gently pull the lower lid of your eye out to form a pocket.

4. Tieni la bottiglia capovolta vicino al tuo occhio. Cerca di non toccare l'occhio mentre lo fai.

5. Gently squeeze the bottle to release one drop into your eye. Only use a second drop if the first drop missed going into your eye.

6. Chiudi l'occhio per un minuto o due e premi delicatamente sul lato del naso dove l'angolo dell'occhio incontra il naso. Questo aiuta a impedire che la goccia defluisca e la mantiene nell'occhio.

7. Ripeti il processo nell'altro occhio se ti è stato detto di usare le gocce in entrambi gli occhi.

8. Rimetti il tappo.
   

• Take gentamicin eye drops exactly as your doctor tells you to and always check the label for the correct usage.

  • It is usually 3-4 times a day but may be more frequently, particularly on the first day.

• Try not to miss any doses. If you forget to put the drops in on time, do it as soon as you remember.

• Your eye should feel better in a few days, but keep using gentamicin for 48 hours after it looks normal to make sure all the bacteria are gone.

• The drops may blur your vision for a short time. Wait until you can see clearly before driving or using machines.

• To prevent spreading the infection, wash your hands often, avoid touching your eyes, and don’t share towels or pillows.

• Se la punta del flacone tocca il tuo occhio (o i tuoi occhi) quando metti le gocce, è una buona idea spremere subito due o tre gocce su un fazzoletto e risciacquare la punta con acqua salata.

• Le infezioni oculari possono rendere i tuoi occhi più sensibili alla luce solare del solito. Indossare occhiali da sole può aiutare a prevenire questo.

• If using other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between each one so your eye can absorb them properly.

• If your symptoms get worse while using gentamicin drops, see your doctor immediately, especially if your eye is painful, sensitive to light, or your vision changes.

• Non indossare le lenti a contatto finché i sintomi non sono completamente scomparsi. Attendi 24 ore dopo l'ultima dose di collirio prima di utilizzare nuovamente le lenti.

• Tenere tutti i medicinali fuori dalla portata e dalla vista dei bambini.

• Conservare in un luogo fresco e asciutto, lontano da fonti di calore e luce diretta.

• Throw away the bottle of eye drops after you have finished your course of treatment, even if there is some liquid left.

• Do not keep opened bottles to use later, as eye drops must not be used if the bottle has been opened for longer than four weeks.

How long does it take for gentamicin eye drops to work?

Gentamicin eye drops can start to work in just 1 to 2 hours, but visible improvement of symptoms may take a few days.

Can gentamicin eye drops cause nose bleeds?

Nosebleeds are not a known side effect of gentamicin eye drops and are considered very unlikely. If you experience repeated nosebleeds while using them, it’s best to speak with your doctor to rule out another cause.

Is gentamicin a steroid eye drop?

No, gentamicin is an antibiotic eye drop, not a steroid. It works by killing bacteria that cause eye infections rather than reducing inflammation like steroid drops do.

Are gentamicin eye drops painful?

Gentamicin eye drops are usually not painful, though some people may experience mild stinging or burning when first applied. This usually settles quickly and is not harmful.