Dexa-gentamicin eye drops

introduction

Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that is mostly used in the form of eye drops for bacterial infections of the eye.

Read more about the antibiotic below: Gentamicin

Indications for Dexa-Gentamicin eye drops

Dexa-gentamicin eye drops are used for allergic reactions of the eye to certain substances. In addition, they also work against inflammation of the anterior segment of the eye, which is either caused by gentamicin-sensitive pathogens or in which a bacterial infection is suspected.

Dexa-gentamicin eye drops are also used for hyperinfected, allergic inflammations of the external eye.

Inflammation around the eyes can affect different parts of the eyes. In addition to the symptoms and causes of inflammation in the eye, the following article also contains the various clinical pictures that result from them. Read more about this under: Inflammation of the eye

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis (Conjunctivitis) can have either bacterial, viral or allergic causes. In the case of conjunctivitis caused by bacteria, there is increased mucus formation in the corner of the eye and the eye is usually sticky and burning in the morning after waking up.

Eye drops containing antibiotics such as Dexa-Gentamicin eye drops are used for treatment. In addition, allergic conjunctivitis and inflammation of the eyelid margin can be treated with the help of these eye drops.

Read more about the clinical picture below: Conjunctivitis

Active ingredient and effect

Dexa-Gentamicin contains the active ingredient combination dexamethasone dihydrogen phosphate disodium (ph.Eur.) 1.0 mg / ml and gentamicin sulfate 5.0 mg / ml. There are also benzalkonium chloride (preservatives), sodium chloride, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium monohydrogen phosphate and water as additional components of these eye drops.

The antibacterial effect of these eye drops containing antibiotics is to treat infections caused by pathogens sensitive to gentamicin. In addition to infections of the anterior segment of the eye, areas of application are conjunctivitis, corneal inflammation, eyelid inflammation, barley grains and allergic inflammation of the outer eye with simultaneous infection with bacteria.

Are there any over the counter?

Dexa-gentamicin eye drops require a prescription and must be prescribed by a doctor.

Side effects

As all drugs are known to have side effects, this one has some too. However, they do not have to occur in everyone. The following is a list of possible side effects:

Category: Hormonal Problems

• increased body hair (especially in women)

• Muscle weakness / wasting

• Stretch marks of the skin (reddish / bluish)

• increased blood pressure

• irregular or absent menstration cycles

• Fluctuations in protein and calcium levels in the body

• Stunted growth, swelling, and weight gain on the body and face (in children and adolescents)

Category: Eye Diseases

• allergic reaction

• slight stinging of the eyes (temporary)

• Increased pressure in the eye (regresses after stopping the drug)

• irreversible lens opacity (especially in children)

• Herpes simplex keratitis (inflammation of the cornea)

• Fungal infections of the eye

• Drooping of the upper eyelid

• Dilated pupil

interaction

Basically, you must always discuss with the attending physician if other drugs are used or if you intend to use other drugs. Atropine and other drugs with anticholinergic effects can cause an increase in intraocular pressure.

In addition, Dexa-gentamicin eye drops are incompatible with amphotericin B, heparin, sulfadiazine, cephalotin and cloxacillin. If one of these drugs is used at the same time as gentamicin, it may precipitate in the conjunctival sac.

In addition, the simultaneous use of ritonavir or cobicistat with gentamicin should also be discussed with a doctor, as these agents can additionally increase the dexamethasone level in the blood.

Counter-indications

Dexa-gentamicin eye drops should not be taken if allergic reactions to the active substance occur. In addition, patients with known kidney dysfunction should only take gentamicin after consulting a doctor and under supervision.

In addition, extreme caution should be exercised when using this medicinal product in patients with previous neuromuscular diseases. Because gentamicin can weaken the neuromuscular transmission of stimuli and thus lead to breathing difficulties up to respiratory paralysis.

You might also be interested in the following topic: Shortness of breath

dosage

As with all medicinal products, Dexa-Gentamicin eye drops should also be used in consultation with the attending physician. Unless otherwise prescribed by the doctor, the following dosage is recommended: 1 drop 4 to 6 times a day in the conjunctival sac. The application should be spread evenly over the day and should not exceed a maximum of 2 weeks.

price

A Dexa-Gentamicin eye drop pack in the pack size of 5 ml costs around 15 euros. However, since these eye drops require a prescription, only an additional payment of 5 euros can be expected in the pharmacy.

Interactions with alcohol - is it compatible?

As a rule, most antibiotics get along well with alcohol. Since gentamicin is only used locally in the area of ​​the eye, the effect of the antibiotic on the entire body is also much less. For this reason, interaction with alcohol is generally negligible, as it is very little or hardly any.

Alternatives to dexa-gentamicin eye drops

Similar drugs to Dexa-Gentamicin eye drops are:

• Dexa-gentamicin eye ointment
• Dexamytrex eye drops
• Dexamytrex combination pack
• Dexamytrex eye ointment

Read more about: Dexa-gentamicin eye ointment

Can be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

If you are already pregnant or if you are planning to become pregnant, a doctor should be consulted for advice before using Dexa-Gentamicin eye drops. In the first trimester of pregnancy, eye drops should not be used and even in the further course of pregnancy they should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.

The active ingredient dexamethasone has the ability to pass into breast milk. Since only a small amount of the active ingredient gets into the bloodstream, there is generally no risk of side effects in connection with gentamicin eye drops.

From what age can you use Dexa-Gentamicin eye drops?

The use of Dexa-Gentamicin eye drops is suitable for all ages. However, many children and toddlers find the application of drops in the eye unpleasant, which is why they can also use the variant as an eye ointment.