Learn about this eye medication: Gentamicin and Prednisolone (Gentamicin; Prednisolone eye suspension)

Sometimes our eyes suddenly become red, itchy, inflamed, and watery, right? When we go to a doctor at such a time, he may prescribe eye drops for an eye infection. One of the most commonly used medications that you may receive in such a situation is a combination of two drugs called Gentamicin and Prednisolone. So, let's talk about this clearly and simply today.

What exactly is this medicine? Let's understand it simply.

Although the name of this is a bit complicated, its function is very simple. Simply put, it is a combination of two medicines . This medicine is like killing two birds with one stone.

1. Gentamicin: This is an antibiotic . Specifically, it belongs to the aminoglycoside class. It works by killing the germs that cause bacterial infections in your eyes and controlling the infection.

2. Prednisolone: ​​This is a type of steroid . Now, the word steroids may scare some people, but when used as directed by a doctor, for the right amount of time, and in the right way, they are very helpful. This medication works by reducing the swelling, redness, and itching that can occur due to eye infections.

So, these two medicines together will eliminate the bacterial infection in your eye, thereby reducing the discomfort you feel.

Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine

Before taking any medication, it is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition. This is because only then can he/she be able to give you the most suitable and safest treatment. Be sure to tell him/her about any of the following, especially if you have any of the following conditions:

• If you have an active infection (e.g., fungal infection, viral infection) anywhere else in the body.
• If you have glaucoma or if someone in your family has it.
• If you wear contact lenses .
• If you have previously had an allergic reaction to Gentamicin, Prednisolone, other corticosteroids, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
• If you are a breastfeeding mother .

It is very important for your own safety to tell the doctor this information without hiding it.

Okay, now how exactly do you use this medicine?

This is a medicine for the eyes only. So do not drink it or apply it anywhere else. The best results can be achieved by using it correctly. Let's see how to do it step by step.

1. Cleanliness comes first: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after applying the medicine.

2. Shake well: This is a suspension, meaning the medicine particles float in the liquid. So you need to shake the bottle well before using it. That way, each drop contains the same amount of medicine.

3. Preparation: Sit in a chair or lie down on a bed and tilt your head back slightly. Then, with your index finger , gently pull down your lower eyelid . This will create a small pouch-like space between your eye and eyelid.

4. Don't let it touch: Don't let the dropper tip of the medicine bottle touch your eyes, fingers, or anywhere else. Doing so can introduce germs into the bottle and contaminate the medicine.

5. Apply the medicine: Put the number of drops (usually one or two) that the doctor prescribed into the bag made by the eyelid. Do not try to apply it directly to the black eye, it is difficult.

6. Close your eyes: After applying the medicine , slowly close your eyes and hold them for about 30 seconds. Do not squeeze your eyes shut. When you close them slowly, the medicine spreads well throughout the eye. If you can gently press your finger against the corner of the eye and the side of the nose, it will reduce the chance of the medicine going down your throat.

What do you do if you forget to take your medicine?

Sometimes we forget to take our medicine. If that happens, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is very close to the time of the next dose (for example, it is in an hour or two), skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once (double dose) .

If this medicine is given to children...

If giving this medicine to young children, it is best to consult a pediatrician. Special care may be required.

Other things to consider

• Does it interact with other medications?: This eye drop is unlikely to interact with other medications in the body. However, if you are using another type of eye drop, it is important to tell your doctor about it. If you are using two types of eye drops, wait at least 5-10 minutes between using one and then using the other.
• Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor if they are okay to wear during your treatment and when you can wear them again. It is usually advised to avoid wearing lenses until the infection is completely healed.
• Spread of infection: To prevent the infection from spreading from you to others in your household, do not share your towels, handkerchiefs, pillowcases, or eye drop bottles with anyone else.
• If you take too much medicine: If you suddenly think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not panic. But if you are in any doubt, contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
• Sharing medicine: This medicine has been prescribed for you and your condition only. Never give it to someone else who has the same symptoms as you. It can be dangerous.

Let's also learn about side effects.

Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. But these don't happen to everyone. Let's break these down into two categories.

How do you store medicine properly?

To maintain the quality of the medicine, it must be stored properly.

• Keep this medicine out of the reach of children .
• It is best to store it at room temperature (between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius) , away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
• Do not freeze , that is, do not put it in the freezer.
• Throw away any medicine left after the expiration date. Also, don't keep the bottle open for more than a month. Ask your doctor for advice on this as well.