Gentamicin Ophthalmic Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 29, 2024.

Applies to gentamicin ophthalmic: ophthalmic ointment, ophthalmic solution.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, gentamicin ophthalmic 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

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]

Further information

Gentamicin ophthalmic side effects can vary depending on the individual. 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.

Medical Disclaimer