Gentamicin Sulfate

Primary skin infections: Impetigo contagiosa, superficial folliculitis, ecthyma, furunculosis, sycosis barbae, and pyoderma gangrenosum. Secondary skin infections: 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. Please Note: Gentamicin Sulfate is a bactericidal agent that is not effective against viruses or fungi in skin infections.

It 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. Good results have been obtained in the treatment of infected stasis and other skin ulcers, infected superficial burns, paronychia, infected insect bites and stings, infected lacerations and abrasions, and wounds from minor surgery.

Patients sensitive to neomycin can be treated with Gentamicin Sulfate, although regular observation of patients sensitive to topical antibiotics is advisable when such patients are treated with any topical antibiotic. Gentamicin Sulfate Cream USP, 0.1% is recommended for wet, oozing primary infections, and greasy, secondary infections, such as pustular acne or infected seborrheic dermatitis. Gentamicin sulfate ointment helps retain moisture and has been useful in infection on dry eczematous or psoriatic skin.

If a water-washable preparation is desired, the cream is preferable. Gentamicin Sulfate Cream USP, 0.1% has been used successfully in infants over one year of age, as well as in adults and children.

This drug product is contraindicated in individuals with a history of sensitivity to any of its components.

In patients with dermatoses treated with Gentamicin Sulfate, irritation (erythema and pruritus) that did not usually require discontinuance of treatment has been reported in a small percentage of cases. There was no evidence of irritation or sensitization, however, in any of these patients patch-tested subsequently with Gentamicin Sulfate on normal skin. Possible photosensitization has been reported in several patients but could not be elicited in these patients by reapplication of Gentamicin Sulfate followed by exposure to ultraviolet radiation.