Gentabac HC

Gentabac HC is a prescription medicine having a combination of medicines that is used to treat bacterial eye infections. It stops the growth of bacteria and helps in relieving redness, itching and swelling. Gentabac HC is to be used only in the affected eye in the dose and duration as advised by the doctor. Wash your hands before using this medicine. It is advised to check the label for directions before use. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping the medicine too early may lead to the infection returning or worsening. The most common side effects include discomfort, irritation and burning sensation at the application site. If these side effects persist for a longer duration, inform your doctor. In case by accident, this medicine goes into your ears, nose or mouth, immediately rinse it with water. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or are allergic to this medicine or taking any other medication. It is advised not to drive or operate heavy machinery after use of this medicine as it may cause blurring of vision and may affect your ability to drive.

Uses of Gentabac HC

• Bacterial infections

Side effects of Gentabac HC

Common

• Eye irritation
• Eye discomfort

How to use Gentabac HC

This medicine is for external use only. Take it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Hold the dropper close to the eye without touching it. Gently squeeze the dropper and place the medicine inside the lower eyelid. Wipe off extra liquid.

How Gentabac HC works

Gentabac HC is a combination of two medicines: Gentamicin and Hydrocortisone. Gentamicin is an antibiotic. It stops bacterial growth in the eye by preventing the synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions. Hydrocortisone is a steroid which blocks the production of certain chemical messengers (prostaglandins) that make the eye red, swollen and itchy.

Quick Tips

• Genoptic HC Eye Drop is used for the treatment of bacterial skin infections.
• It should be applied to the affected areas as a thin film, two or three times daily, or as advised by your doctor.
• Do not use it more often or for longer than advised by your doctor.
• Do not apply it to broken skin and avoid getting it in your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Do not cover the area being treated with airtight dressings such as bandages unless directed by a doctor, as this may increase the risk of side effects.
• It may cause temporary burning, itching or a redness at application site. This is usually mild. Consult your doctor if you experience a more severe reaction.
• Inform your doctor if your skin problem hasn't improved after seven days of treatment.

Brief Description

Indication

Treatment of, chronic suppurative otitis media, otitis externa, and as prophylactic treatment of otitis externa following trauma, post-operative local use in surgery to infected mastoid cavities.

Adult Dose

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. 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.

Contraindication

Contraindicated in patients with known or suspected perforation, or where there is a risk of perforation of the tympanic membrane. Known hypersensitivity to Hydrocortisone or Gentamicin or any other components of the product.

Mode of Action

Gentamicin is mixture of antibiotic substances produced by the growth of micromonospora purpurea. It is a bactericidal antibiotic which acts by inhibiting protein synthesis. It has greater antibacterial activity than streptomycin, neomycin or kanamycin. Gentamicin exerts a number of effects on cells of susceptible bacteria. It affects the integrity of the plasma membrane and the metabolism of RNA, but it's most important effect is inhibition of protein synthesis at the level of the 30s ribosomal subunit. Corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone acetate, are used in pharmacological doses for their anti-inflammatory and immuno-suppressant glucocorticoid properties which suppress the clinical manifestation of disease in a wide range of disorders

Precaution

Long-term continuous therapy should be avoided. Prolonged use may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi. If an infection is not improved after one week, cultures and susceptibility tests should be performed to verify the identity of the organism and to determine what alternative therapy should be installed.

Side Effect

Ear discomfort, ear irritation may occur in rare cases. Gentamicin may cause irreversible partial or total deafness when given systemically or when applied topically to open wounds or damaged skin.

Pregnancy Category Note

Pregnancy Safety for use in pregnancy has not been established. Topical administration of any corticosteroid to pregnant animals can cause abnormalities of foetal development. This medicine should only be used in pregnancy when considered essential by the physician, after careful assessment of the potential risks and benefits. Lactation Safety for use in lactation has not been established. This medicine should only be used in lactation when considered essential by the physician, after careful assessment of the potential risks and benefits.