Gentisone Fact Card
Gentisone contains an antibiotic and steroid used to treat bacterial ear infections and to reduce inflammation
| Brands | Gentisone |
| Used For | It is usd for the treatment of eczema and infection of the ear canal (otitis externa). It is also used to prevent otitis externa following trauma, and also post-operatively in surgery to infected mastoid cavities. |
| Doseage | Usually 2 - 4 drops in the affected ear three to four times a day and at night. |
| Side Effects | Some patients report an irritation or rash around the site of use. |
| Warnings | Long-term continuous topical therapy should be avoided, unless other specified by your doctor. This is to avoid the emergence of resistance organisms. Irreversible partial or total deafness can be seen when applied topically to open wounds or damaged skin (i.e. a perforated ear drum). This is more likely in the elderly. |
| Pregnancy | Speak to your doctor before use. Safety for use in pregnancy has not been established |
Gentisone is a combination antibiotic/steroid ear drop used to treat bacterial infections of the ear canal (Otitis externa).
It consists of the aminoglycoside antibiotic Gentamicin and hydrocortisone, a topical steroid which in combination treats both the cause and the painful symptoms of Otitis externa
What is Gentisone used to treat?
Otitis externa
How does Gentisone work?
Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that like other antibiotics in that class, inhibits bacterial protein synthesis, killing the bacteria which is unable to perform vital functions - hydrocortisone is a steroid and helps to reduce potentially painful inflammation locally
How do I take Gentisone?
Child - 2-4 drops 4-5 X daily (including a dose at bedtime)
Adult - 2-4 drops 4-5 X daily (including a dose at bedtime)
*This medicine MUST NOT BE USED if you are suffering with a perforated ear drum as Gentamicin can be toxic to hearing*
Side effects of Gentisone
Renal damage - when used orally, there is quite a high risk of acute renal failure, particularly when used with other medicines toxic to the kidneys but the risk with ear drops is very low
Ototoxicity - risk of damage to hearing is approximately about 10% but this too is based on oral administration - the risk with ear drops is very small but this is why these ear drops MUST NOT BE USED if there is a concurrent perforated ear drum
Things to avoid
Avoid if any sensitivity or allergy to the aminoglycoside class of antibiotics
Gentisone and alcohol
Not containdicated
Can I take Gentisone when pregnant?
Risk of auditory or vestibular nerve damage is very small with gentamicin but it's use should probably be avoided unless essential
Gentisone and breastfeeding
The safety of gentamicin use in Nursing mothers is not known but there are detectable levels found in both breast milk and in nursing babies
Our doctors are available now and can issue same day prescriptions for all standard medications. To see a GP regarding a prescription for gentisone or for any other reason book an appointment now and start feeling better right away.