Sometimes our eyes get red, itchy, and swollen, don't they? Or we experience discomfort like a sore throat. Your doctor may have prescribed an eye ointment for this type of bacterial infection. Today we are talking about an eye ointment that contains a combination of two commonly used medications, Gentamicin and Prednisolone.
What really happens with this medicine?
This is actually a combination of two medications. One is Gentamicin. The other is Prednisolone.
Simply put, Gentamicin is an antibiotic. To be precise, it belongs to the ``aminoglycoside antibiotic'' group. It works by killing the bacteria that is causing your eye infection.
Prednisolone is a type of steroid. A corticosteroid, to be precise. It works by reducing swelling, redness, and itching in the eyes caused by infection.
So, when these two medicines are combined, on the one hand, they eliminate the infection, and on the other hand, they quickly reduce the discomfort caused by it.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using the medicine
Before giving you this medicine, the doctor will ask you a few questions. However, it is very important that you also mention these things.
- Other infections: Tell us about any other infections in your body besides the eye infection.
- Glaucoma: Be sure to inform your doctor if you have glaucoma, a condition that increases eye pressure.
- Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, tell us about it.
- Allergies: If you have any allergies to Gentamicin or Prednisolone, the active ingredient in this medicine, or to other steroids, other medicines, foods, or dyes, please tell us without hiding it.
- Pregnancy: It is essential to inform your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
How do you apply this ointment to the eye correctly?
Okay, now let's see how to use this exactly. This is something that needs to be done with some caution. Follow these steps.
1. Hand washing: First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling the medicine. This is very important to prevent the spread of infection.
2. Preparation: Sit in a chair or lie down on a bed, tilt your head back slightly, and look up.
3. Eyelid preparation: Gently pull down the lower eyelid with your index finger. This will create a small pouch-like space between the lower eyelid and the eye.
4. Apply the ointment: Now be careful not to get the medicine from the tube on your mouth, eyes , fingertips, or any other surface . Gently squeeze the tube and apply a thin strip of ointment inside the pouch you just made.
5. Closing the eyes: Then slowly close your eyes and hold them closed for about a minute or two. Do not close your eyes tightly at this time, just close them slowly. This will allow the medicine to spread throughout the eye well.
The most important thing is to use this medicine for the full number of days prescribed by your doctor. Don't stop taking it just because you feel better. If you stop, the infection may come back.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
Oh, there are times when you think you forgot to take your medicine, right? If that happens, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is very close to your next dose (for example, if it is only an hour or two away), skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Things to be careful about when using
- If your symptoms don't improve in a few days, or if they seem to get worse, be sure to tell your doctor again.
- If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor if you can use them while taking this medication and when you can wear them again.
- If you continue to experience eye irritation or burning after using the medication, it could be a sign of an allergy to the medication. If this happens, stop using the medication and talk to your doctor.
- To prevent the spread of infection, do not share items such as your eye drops, towels, or handkerchiefs with anyone else.
- If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, or if someone has taken it by mistake, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Let's break them down into two categories.
| Side Effects | |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergy symptoms | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Vision changes | Blurred vision (lasting more than a short time), decreased vision. |
| Severe pain | Severe pain or inflammation inside the eye, severe swelling of the eyelid. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Minor inconveniences | Slight burning, redness, or itching that occurs immediately after applying the medicine. |
| Temporary features | Temporary tearing or slight blurring of vision. |
How to keep medicine safe?
- Be sure to keep this out of the reach of children .
- Store at room temperature (between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius).
- Never put it in the freezer.
- Check the expiration date, and if it has expired, throw away the medicine tube.
Take-Home Message
- This is a medicine that controls bacterial infections and the swelling, redness, and itching that occurs in the eyes .
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying the medicine to your eyes. To prevent infection, do not let the tip of the tube touch your eyes or any other part of your body.
- Use the medicine for the full duration prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if your symptoms subside.
- If your vision changes, you experience severe pain, inflammation, or allergic symptoms, stop taking the medicine immediately and tell your doctor.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not give it to anyone else. Also, to prevent the spread of infection, do not share your towels or eye wipes with others.
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