Dosage Forms
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Cream, External:
Generic: 0.1% (15 g, 30 g)
Ointment, External:
Generic: 0.1% (15 g, 30 g)
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Interferes with bacterial protein synthesis by binding to 30S ribosomal subunit resulting in a defective bacterial cell membrane
Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics
Absorption
Systemic absorption is reported following topical application to burn patients (Sawchuk 1980).
Use: Labeled Indications
Dermatologic infections: Topical treatment of superficial dermatologic infections
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to gentamicin or any component of the formulation
Dosage and Administration
Dosing: Adult
Dermatologic infections: Topical: Apply 3 to 4 times daily to affected area
Dosing: Geriatric
Refer to adult dosing.
Dosing: Pediatric
Dermatologic infections: Infants, Children, and Adolescents: Topical: Cream, Ointment: Apply 3 to 4 times/day to affected area (Bradley 2017)
Administration
For external use only; not for ophthalmic use. Apply gently to affected area; may cover with gauze dressing.
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature of 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
Drug Interactions
There are no known significant interactions.
Test Interactions
Some penicillin derivatives may accelerate the degradation of aminoglycosides in vitro, leading to a potential underestimation of aminoglycoside serum concentration.
Adverse Reactions
Frequency not defined.
Dermatologic: Erythema, pruritus
Warnings/Precautions
Concerns related to adverse effects:
- Superinfection: Prolonged use may result in fungal or bacterial superinfection; discontinue if superinfection is noted.
- Sensitization: Topical use has been associated with local sensitization (redness, irritation); discontinue if sensitization is noted.
Other warnings/precautions:
- Long-term use: Not intended for long-term therapy.
Patient Education
- Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)
- Have patient report immediately to prescriber skin irritation (HCAHPS).
- Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.
Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for healthcare professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience and judgment in diagnosing, treating and advising patients.
