Gentamicin cream: what it is for and how to use it

Yes, as you read, gentamicin, isolated since 1963, is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, implying that it is effective against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Aminoglycosides are the pharmacological group to which gentamicin and other antibiotics such as amikacin, neomycin, and tobramycin belong.

This drug is transported to the cell membrane of the bacteria, binding to what is known as the 30S subunit, a specific receptor. This binding interferes with protein synthesis, causing bacterial DNA to be misread. This antibiotic prevents bacteria from synthesizing or making the proteins they need to grow and, in turn, multiply.

The parenteral, ophthalmic, and topical routes of administration are those available to administer gentamicin.

You should know that gentamicin in intact skin is not absorbed. However, when administered in burns, wounds, or ulcers, systemic absorption of this aminoglycoside occurs. Medically, it is described that the pharmacokinetics after topical gentamicin is similar to that which occurs with parenteral administration, binding to plasma proteins and being excreted via the kidneys.

Gentamicin ointment is primarily used in children over one year of age and in adults, especially to treat some bacterial skin infections :

1. Folliculitis.
2. Furunculosis.
3. Ulcers on the skin.
4. After infected cysts and abscesses have been drained.
5. Contagious impetigo.
6. Pyoderma gangrenous.
7. Accematoid dermatitis.
8. Acne pustular.
9. Infected seborrheic dermatitis.
10. Infected grazes.
11. Infected insect bites.
12. Paronychia or nail.
13. Infected minor surgical wounds.

Topical gentamicin is available in a 15 g to 25 g tube under the trade name Gevramycin and multicomponent preparations under Diprogenta, Cuatroderm, and Celestoderm.

Using it is different for each patient and the condition to be treated. It is usually applied 3 to 4 times a day, and before using it, it is advisable to wash the area beforehand with mild soap and water and dry well. Take a thin layer of gentamicin cream, gently massage the affected area, and then cover it with gauze if your doctor tells you to.

You must carefully follow the instructions of your specialist before using gentamicin cream. Also, avoid using an amount more significant than that indicated, as well as avoid using it more frequently than it was prescribed.

With gentamicin cream, the symptoms will improve during the first days of use. If not, do not hesitate to consult your doctor immediately.

Some things to keep in mind before using gentamicin cream are:

• Before starting treatment with gentamicin, it is recommended that you inform your doctor if you have had previous allergic reactions with the use of this or any aminoglycoside.
• Although it is a relatively safe antibiotic, its prolonged and excessive use can cause the proliferation of fungi or bacteria for which appropriate antibacterial or antifungal treatments should be applied.
• Gentamicin is contraindicated in case of a history of hypersensitivity reactions to this drug.
• Likewise, the safety of using gentamicin cream in pregnancy and lactation is not well described, so you should avoid it during these stages. The doctor must assess the risk/benefit balance before indicating topical gentamicin in pregnancy and lactation.
• Gentamicin cream should only be used on the skin. Avoid the contact of this medicine with the eyes and mucous membranes.
• One of the indications for gentamicin is impetigo. In this case, it is advisable to gently remove the scabs from the skin before applying the drug.
• No special diet is necessary before starting treatment with gentamicin cream.
• It is also not necessary to apply additional cream in case of forgetting a dose.

After the administration of this drug, some side effects may occur, such as:

• Skin itch.
• Redness on the skin.
• Hot.
• Inflammation.
• Exudation on the skin.

As you may have noticed, gentamicin ointment is a drug that requires specialized medical indication. Avoid prolonged use and apply it as indicated. If you have doubts or unfavorable reactions, consult your doctor.

This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.

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