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Gentamicin (EENT)
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  • AHFS Monographs

Gentamicin (EENT)

Class: Antibacterials
VA Class: AM300
CAS Number: 1405-41-0
Brands: Gentak

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 19, 2021. Written by ASHP.

Introduction

Antibacterial; aminoglycoside.

Uses for Gentamicin (EENT)

Bacterial Ophthalmic Infections

Topical treatment of superficial bacterial infections of the eye caused by susceptible bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes, S. pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Serratia marcescens, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Mild, acute bacterial conjunctivitis often resolves spontaneously without anti-infective treatment. Although topical ophthalmic anti-infectives may shorten time to resolution and reduce severity and risk of complications, avoid indiscriminate use of topical anti-infectives. Treatment of acute bacterial conjunctivitis generally is empiric; use of a broad-spectrum topical ophthalmic antibacterial usually recommended. In vitro staining and/or cultures of conjunctival material may be indicated in management of recurrent, severe, or chronic purulent conjunctivitis or when acute conjunctivitis does not respond to initial empiric topical treatment.

Because bacterial keratitis may be associated with subsequent loss of vision as the result of corneal scarring or topographic irregularities and because untreated or severe bacterial keratitis may result in corneal perforation with potential for endophthalmitis and possible loss of the eye, optimal management involves rapid evaluation and diagnosis, timely initiation of treatment, and appropriate follow-up. Treatment of community-acquired bacterial keratitis generally is empiric; use of a broad-spectrum topical ophthalmic antibacterial usually recommended. Subconjunctival anti-infectives may be necessary if scleral spread or perforation is imminent. In vitro staining and/or cultures of corneal material indicated in manag...