Gentamicin Ophthalmic Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 9, 2024.

Usual Adult Dose for Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day

Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours

• Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour

Comments:

• The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
• This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.

Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and/or Streptococcus pyogenes

Usual Adult Dose for Corneal Ulcers

Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day

Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours

• Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour

Comments:

• The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
• This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.

Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and/or Streptococcus pyogenes

Usual Adult Dose for Keratitis

Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day

Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours

• Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour

Comments:

• The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
• This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.

Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and/or Streptococcus pyogenes

Usual Adult Dose for Keratoconjunctivitis

Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day

Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours

• Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour

Comments:

• The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
• This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.

Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and/or Streptococcus pyogenes

Usual Adult Dose for Blepharitis

Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day

Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours

• Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour

Comments:

• The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
• This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.

Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and/or Streptococcus pyogenes

Usual Adult Dose for Blepharoconjunctivitis

Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day

Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours

• Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour

Comments:

• The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
• This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.

Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and/or Streptococcus pyogenes

Usual Adult Dose for Acute Meibomianitis

Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day

Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours

• Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour

Comments:

• The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
• This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.

Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and/or Streptococcus pyogenes

Usual Adult Dose for Dacryocystitis

Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day

Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours

• Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour

Comments:

• The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
• This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.

Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and/or Streptococcus pyogenes

Usual Adult Dose for Conjunctivitis

Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day

Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours

• Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour

Comments:

• The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
• This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.

Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and/or Streptococcus pyogenes

Usual Pediatric Dose for Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Children (1 month and older):
Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day

Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours

• Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour

Comments:

• The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
• This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.

Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of E aerogenes, E coli, H influenzae, K pneumoniae, N gonorrhoeae, P aeruginosa, S marcescens, S aureus, S epidermidis, S pneumoniae, and/or S pyogenes

Usual Pediatric Dose for Corneal Ulcers

Children (1 month and older):
Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day

Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours

• Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour

Comments:

• The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
• This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.

Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of E aerogenes, E coli, H influenzae, K pneumoniae, N gonorrhoeae, P aeruginosa, S marcescens, S aureus, S epidermidis, S pneumoniae, and/or S pyogenes

Usual Pediatric Dose for Keratitis

Children (1 month and older):
Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day

Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours

• Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour

Comments:

• The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
• This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.

Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of E aerogenes, E coli, H influenzae, K pneumoniae, N gonorrhoeae, P aeruginosa, S marcescens, S aureus, S epidermidis, S pneumoniae, and/or S pyogenes

Usual Pediatric Dose for Keratoconjunctivitis

Children (1 month and older):
Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day

Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours

• Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour

Comments:

• The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
• This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.

Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of E aerogenes, E coli, H influenzae, K pneumoniae, N gonorrhoeae, P aeruginosa, S marcescens, S aureus, S epidermidis, S pneumoniae, and/or S pyogenes

Usual Pediatric Dose for Blepharitis

Children (1 month and older):
Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day

Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours

• Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour

Comments:

• The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
• This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.

Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of E aerogenes, E coli, H influenzae, K pneumoniae, N gonorrhoeae, P aeruginosa, S marcescens, S aureus, S epidermidis, S pneumoniae, and/or S pyogenes

Usual Pediatric Dose for Blepharoconjunctivitis

Children (1 month and older):
Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day

Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours

• Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour

Comments:

• The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
• This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.

Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of E aerogenes, E coli, H influenzae, K pneumoniae, N gonorrhoeae, P aeruginosa, S marcescens, S aureus, S epidermidis, S pneumoniae, and/or S pyogenes

Usual Pediatric Dose for Acute Meibomianitis

Children (1 month and older):
Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day

Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours

• Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour

Comments:

• The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
• This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.

Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of E aerogenes, E coli, H influenzae, K pneumoniae, N gonorrhoeae, P aeruginosa, S marcescens, S aureus, S epidermidis, S pneumoniae, and/or S pyogenes

Usual Pediatric Dose for Dacryocystitis

Children (1 month and older):
Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day

Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours

• Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour

Comments:

• The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
• This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.

Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of E aerogenes, E coli, H influenzae, K pneumoniae, N gonorrhoeae, P aeruginosa, S marcescens, S aureus, S epidermidis, S pneumoniae, and/or S pyogenes

Usual Pediatric Dose for Conjunctivitis

Children (1 month and older):
Ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1.27 cm-long ribbon) to the affected eye(s) 2 to 3 times a day

Ophthalmic solution: 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 4 hours

• Severe infections: Up to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) every hour

Comments:

• The tip of the container should not be allowed to touch any surface, including the eye or eyelid.
• This drug should not be injected or directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.

Use: Topical treatment of ocular bacterial infections (e.g., acute meibomianitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis) caused by susceptible strains of E aerogenes, E coli, H influenzae, K pneumoniae, N gonorrhoeae, P aeruginosa, S marcescens, S aureus, S epidermidis, S pneumoniae, and/or S pyogenes

Usual Pediatric Dose for Surgical Prophylaxis

American Academy of Pediatrics Recommendations: Apply multiple drops to the affected eye(s) 2 to 24 hours prior to the procedure

Comment: Susceptibility of isolates should be considered when determining treatment.

Use: Preoperative antimicrobial prophylaxis in neonatal patients older than 72 hours and children undergoing ophthalmic procedures with the following likely pathogens: Enteric gram-negative bacilli, Pseudomonas species, S aureus, S epidermidis, and/or streptococci

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

• Hypersensitivity to the active component or to any of the ingredients

NARROW THERAPEUTIC INDEX:

• This drug should be considered a narrow therapeutic index (NTI) drug as small differences in dose or blood concentrations may lead to serious therapeutic failures or adverse drug reactions.

Recommendations:

• Generic substitution should be done cautiously, if at all, as current bioequivalence standards are generally insufficient for NTI drugs.
• Additional and/or more frequent monitoring should be done to ensure receipt of an effective dose while avoiding unnecessary toxicities.

Safety and efficacy have not been established in neonates.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

• This drug should not be injected or introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.
• During administration, the tip of the container should not touch the eye, eyelid, or any other surface.

Storage requirements:

• Ophthalmic ointment: Store at 2 to 30C
• Ophthalmic solution: Store at or below 25C; protect from light and keep container tightly closed when not in use.

Patient advice:

• Inform patients that this drug may cause blurred vision, and they should avoid driving or operating machinery if these side effects occur.
• Advise patients to speak to their healthcare provider if they become pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer