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Gentamicin is an eye medication for pets afflicted with infections caused due to bacteria. Essentially an antibiotic, it is effective in remedying microbial attacks such as conjunctivitis in cats, dogs and horses in addition to other eye infections. It works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria in the pet’s body and eventually cures the condition.

Use of Gentamicin:

1. This medication is supplied in the form of drops as well as ointment. Pet owners can obtain it from the local chemist. Before you begin using this antibiotic drop for pets, inform the vet if the animal is distressed with any kind of ear/eye infections or if the pet is lactating or pregnant.

2. Moreover, the veterinarian should be told about all types of medicines being administered to the animal to detect and manage any drug interactions.

3. Read the label carefully to understand usage instructions or ask the veterinary physician about the correct method of administration. Always wash your hands before and post use. Administer the drops in the pet eye(s) which is affected using the dropper that is provided with the ophthalmic solution.

4. The usual dose of this drug to treat bacterial infections is 1-2 drops in the eye (s) to be treated every 4 hours. Nonetheless it’s advised that you allow the veterinary doctor to determine a suitable dosing schedule in line with the animal’s condition.

5. Stick to the dosing program given. Don’t make any changes in the quantity of drops to be administered yourself. Inquire about any restrictions regarding food or movement to be implemented during the course of therapy.

What are the possible side effects?

You may notice mild side effects such as eye burning or irritation, redness, eyelid itching in the animal in the first few days of treatment. Continue using the antibiotic since these signs vanish eventually. However, if the pet experiences any symptoms that seem bothersome, you must notify the vet immediately.

Precautions to be taken:

1.    Be careful while using the dropper and don’t touch it to any surface or your hands. The eyedropper is sterile and in case it gets contaminated, it might result in an eye infection.

2.    Whether you are employing eye drops or gentamicin ophthalmic ointment, it’s vital to finish the complete duration of therapy as suggested. Take your pet for regular check-ups in order to monitor progress.

3.    Keep Gentamicin eye drops at room temperature and protect from heat. The bottle should be properly capped after every use. Store the bottle in a place not accessible by children.

To boost the recovery period of your pet troubled with a bacterial infection, you should consider utilising Vitamin A and C supplements which are easily available at pet food stores. They assist in improving your pet’s immunity and avoid the potential of another outbreak.
Eye infections can be upsetting for the pet but with the help of antibiotics, they can be cured in no time.

The disease is often caused by viral infections, such as canine distemper, bacterial eye infections, parasites of the conjunctiva or eyelids, corneal diseases, disorders of the tear ducts, eyelid infections or abnormalities, exposure to external materials such as fibers, sand, chemicals, trauma, allergies and various other illnesses such as skin diseases. The major symptoms of conjunctivitis include discomfort, irritation, discharge from watery to thick pus and mucus, and redness of the eye.Gentak Ophthalmic Ointment is a sterile ointment, each gram of which contains Gentamicin sulfate or 3 mg Gentamicin in a base of mineral oil and white petrolatum. Gentak sulfate is essentially water soluble antibiotic belonging to the aminoglycoside group. It helps in combating different varieties of pathogenic gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.