Gentamicin Topical Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 9, 2023.

Usual Adult Dose for Skin and Structure Infection

Apply a small amount topically to lesions 3 to 4 times a day

Comments:

• Cream or ointment should be applied gently.
• Area may be covered with a gauze dressing if desired.
• In the treatment of impetigo contagiosa, the crusts should be removed prior to application of this drug to permit maximum contact between antibiotic and infection.

Uses: For the treatment of primary skin infections (e.g., impetigo contagiosa, superficial folliculitis, ecthyma, furunculosis, sycosis barbae, and pyoderma gangrenosum); for the treatment of secondary skin infections (e.g., infectious eczematoid dermatitis, pustular acne, pustular psoriasis, infected seborrheic dermatitis, infected contact dermatitis [including poison ivy], infected excoriations, and bacterial superinfections of fungal or viral infections)

Usual Pediatric Dose for Skin and Structure Infection

Greater than 1 year: Apply a small amount topically to lesions 3 to 4 times a day

Comments:

• Cream or ointment should be applied gently.
• Area may be covered with a gauze dressing if desired.
• In the treatment of impetigo contagiosa, the crusts should be removed prior to application of this drug to permit maximum contact between antibiotic and infection.

Uses: For the treatment of primary skin infections (e.g., impetigo contagiosa, superficial folliculitis, ecthyma, furunculosis, sycosis barbae, and pyoderma gangrenosum); for the treatment of secondary skin infections (e.g., infectious eczematoid dermatitis, pustular acne, pustular psoriasis, infected seborrheic dermatitis, infected contact dermatitis [including poison ivy], infected excoriations, and bacterial superinfections of fungal or viral infections)

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Hypersensitivity to the active component or any of the ingredients

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 1 year.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

• For topical use only.
• Care should be taken to avoid further contamination of the infected skin.
• Infected stasis ulcers have responded adequately to this drug under gelatin packing.

General:

• This drug is a bactericidal agent that is not effective against viruses or fungi in skin infections.
• This drug is useful in the treatment of infected skin cysts and certain other skin abscesses when preceded by incision and drainage to permit adequate contact between the antibiotic and the infecting bacteria.

See also:

Further information

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

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