Gentamicin + Hydrocortisone Acetate

Introduction: Gentamicin + Hydrocortisone Acetate is a prescription medicine having a combination of medicines that is used to treat bacterial ear infections. It stops the growth of bacteria and helps in relieving redness, itching and swelling.

How it works: Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit of bacteria, disrupting protein synthesis and killing bacteria. Hydrocortisone is a steroid which blocks the production of certain chemical messengers that cause inflammation, redness and itching.

Important Information: Wash hands before use. Warm the bottle in hand for 1-2 minutes before use (cold drops may cause dizziness). Press the tragus 5 times (for middle ear infections).

• Chronic suppurative otitis media
• Otitis externa
• Prophylactic treatment of otitis externa following trauma
• Post-operative local use - in infected mastoid cavities

Hydrocortisone & Combined preparations, Ophthalmic steroid - antibiotic combined preparations

Aminoglycoside + Corticosteroid

Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic and has a bactericidal action against many Gram-negative and some strains of Gram-positive bacteria. After actively transporting across the bacterial cell membrane, Gentamicin binds to a specific receptor protein on the 30S subunit of bacterial ribosomes, and interferes with protein synthesis. Hydrocortisone depresses formation, release, and activity of endogenous mediators of inflammation as well as modifying immune response.

Gentamicin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis to control infection and Hydrocortisone reduces inflammation, redness and itching.

Middle Ear Infection:

• Instill 2-4 drops in the affected ear three to four times a day and at night, or more frequently if required
• Press the tragus 5 times (to facilitate penetration into the middle ear)
• Maintain position for 2 minutes

Ear Canal Infection:

• Instill 2-4 drops in the affected ear three to four times a day and at night, or more frequently if required
• Pull the outer ear lobe upward and backward (to allow drops to flow into the ear canal)
• Maintain position for 2 minutes

* Use as directed by the registered physician

For otic use only. Wash hands before use. Warm the bottle in hand for 1-2 minutes. Patient should lie with the affected ear upward. Instill drops as directed.

If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and follow your regular schedule.

Common Side Effects:

• Ear discomfort
• Ear irritation
• Gentamicin may cause irreversible partial or total deafness when given systemically or applied topically to open wounds or damaged skin (rare)

Precautions:

• Discontinue at the first appearance of any sign of local or general hypersensitivity.
• Long-term continuous therapy should be avoided (may cause overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms).
• If no improvement after one week, cultures and susceptibility tests should be performed.
• In severe infections, supplement with appropriate systemic antibiotic treatment.

Contraindications:

• Known or suspected perforation or risk of perforation of the tympanic membrane
• Hypersensitivity to Hydrocortisone or Gentamicin

Drug Interactions:

• Gentamicin: Additive effect with other neurotoxic and nephrotoxic drugs
• Hydrocortisone: Thiazides may enhance hyperglycaemia and hypokalaemia

Food Interactions: No interaction found/established.

Use in Pregnancy: Unsafe during pregnancy. There is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby.

Use in Lactation: Probably safe during breastfeeding. Limited data suggests the drug does not represent significant risk to the baby.

Pediatric Use: Use as per doctor's advice for children.

Geriatric Use: Use as per doctor's advice for elderly patients.

Renal & Hepatic Impairment: No interaction found/established (minimal systemic absorption due to topical use).

Overdose: Overdose is unlikely when used as directed. Excessive use may cause ear irritation.

Storage: Store in a cool and dry place. Protect from light and freezing. Discard contents one month after opening.

Gentamicin + Hydrocortisone Acetate Ear Drops