Gentak Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

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# Gentak

Generic name: gentamicin ophthalmic [ JEN-ta-MYE-sin-off-THAL-mik ]
Drug class: Ophthalmic anti-infectives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 19, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

## What is Gentak?

Gentamicin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria.

Gentak (for the eyes) is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.

Gentak may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

## Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

## Before taking this medicine

You should not use Gentak if you are allergic to gentamicin.

- a viral or fungal infection in your eye.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

## How should I use Gentak?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

To apply the eye drops:

- Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.

- Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.

- Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed. If you use more than one drop, wait about 5 minutes between drops.

- Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

To apply the ointment:

- Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the ointment tube with the tip pointing toward this pocket. Look up and away from the tip.

- Squeeze out a ribbon of ointment into the lower eyelid pocket without touching the tip of the tube to your eye. Blink your eye gently and then keep it closed for 1 or 2 minutes.

- Use a tissue to wipe excess ointment from your eyelashes.

- After opening your eyes, you may have blurred vision for a short time. Avoid driving or doing anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or ointment tube, or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper or tube tip can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Gentak will not treat a viral or fungal eye infection.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use.

Detailed Gentak dosage information

## Related/similar drugs

azithromycin ophthalmic, ciprofloxacin ophthalmic, levofloxacin ophthalmic, erythromycin ophthalmic, gentamicin ophthalmic

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

## What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

## What should I avoid while using Gentak?

Gentak may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

## Gentak side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Gentak may cause serious side effects. Stop using Gentak and call your doctor at once if you have:

- severe burning, stinging, or irritation after using this medicine; or

- signs of eye infection--pain, swelling, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage, eyes more sensitive to light.

Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Gentak side effects (more detail)

## What other drugs will affect Gentak?

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

## Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

## More about Gentak (gentamicin ophthalmic)

- Pricing & coupons
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: ophthalmic anti-infectives
- Breastfeeding
- En español

### Patient resources

- Advanced Reading
- Gentak (Gentamicin Eye Drops)
- Gentak (Gentamicin Eye Ointment)

#### Other brands

Genoptic, Gentasol, Gentacidin, Ocu-Mycin

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information

### Related treatment guides

- Conjunctivitis, Bacterial

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 7.01.