Gentak Side Effects
Generic name: gentamicin ophthalmic
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 4, 2024.
Note: This document contains side effect information about gentamicin ophthalmic. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Gentak.
Applies to gentamicin ophthalmic: ophthalmic ointment, ophthalmic solution.
Serious side effects of Gentak
Along with its needed effects, gentamicin ophthalmic (the active ingredient contained in Gentak) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking gentamicin ophthalmic:
Less common
- Itching, redness, swelling, or other sign of irritation not present before use of this medicine
- redness of eye, eyelid, or inner lining of eyelid
Rare
- Black, tarry stools; blood in urine or stools; or unusual bleeding or swelling
- blurred vision, eye pain, sensitivity to light, and/or tearing
- seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
- hallucinations
Other side effects of Gentak
Some side effects of gentamicin ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
- Burning or stinging
After application, eye ointments usually cause your vision to blur for a few minutes.
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to gentamicin ophthalmic: ophthalmic ointment, ophthalmic solution.
Ocular
Common (1% to 10%): Conjunctival epithelial defects, conjunctival hyperemia, non-specific conjunctivitis, ocular burning, ocular irritation
Frequency not reported: Bacterial corneal ulcer, blurred vision, eye irritation, eye pruritus, fungal corneal ulcer
Postmarketing reports: Eye discharge, eye edema, eye pain, eye swelling, eyelid irritation, eyelid edema, ocular hyperemia[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Allergic reactions
Frequency not reported: Sensitivity reactions
Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity[Ref]
Psychiatric
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Hallucinations[Ref]
Hematologic
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Thrombocytopenic purpura[Ref]
Local
Frequency not reported: Burning sensation, itching, local sensitivity, stinging sensation, transient irritation[Ref]
Other
Frequency not reported: Hearing loss, ototoxicity, stinging, vestibular disorder[Ref]
Dermatologic
Frequency not reported: Dermatitis, itching, pruritus[Ref]
Immunologic
Frequency not reported: Superinfection[Ref]
Renal
Frequency not reported: Acute renal failure, nephrotoxicity[Ref]
More about Gentak (gentamicin ophthalmic)
- Compare alternatives
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: ophthalmic anti-infectives
- Breastfeeding
Patient resources
Other brands
Genoptic, Gentacidin, Gentasol, Ocu-Mycin
Professional resources
Other brands
Related treatment guides
References
1. Product Information. Garamycin (gentamicin ophthalmic). Schering Corporation. 2001;PROD.
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.
