Health Centres - Minims Gentamicin
How does it work?
Gentamicin belongs to a class of antibiotics known as the aminoglycosides.
What is it used for?
-
Bacterial infection of the outer ear canal
- Bacterial infections of the eye
Warning!
- Contact lenses should not be worn during treatment with this product.
- Avoid prolonged use.
- Prolonged use of an anti-infective may result in the development of superinfection due to micro-organisms, including fungi, resistant to that anti-infective.
Not to be used in
- Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient
- Perforated eardrum (increased risk of hearing damage)
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.
- This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- The safety of this medicine during breastfeeding has not been established. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
Side effects
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
- Irritation
- Sensitisation or allergic reactions
- Burning sensation
- Stinging on application
- Inflammation of the skin (dermatitis)
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
How can this medicine affect other medicines?
There may be some absorption of gentamicin when it is used as an eye drop. Absorption of gentamicin from application to the ear is less likely to occur.

