Home > Medical Reference > Complementary Medicine

Prednisolone and Gentamicin


Pronunciation

 (pred NIS oh lone & jen ta MYE sin)


U.S. Brand Names

 Pred-G®


Synonyms

 Gentamicin and Prednisolone


Generic Available

 No


Use

 Treatment of steroid responsive inflammatory conditions and superficial ocular infections due to microorganisms susceptible to gentamicin


Pregnancy Risk Factor

 C


Lactation

 Excretion in breast milk unknown/not recommended


Contraindications

 Hypersensitivity to gentamicin, prednisolone, other aminoglycosides or corticosteroids, or any component of the formulation; viral disease of the cornea and conjunctiva (including epithelia herpes simplex keratitis, vaccinia, varicella); mycobacterial or fungal infection of the eye; uncomplicated removal of a corneal foreign body


Warnings/Precautions

 Prolonged use of corticosteroids may result in glaucoma; damage to the optic nerve, defects in visual acuity and fields of vision, and posterior subcapsular cataract formation may occur. Prolonged use of corticosteroids may increase the incidence of secondary ocular infection or mask acute infection (including fungal infections); may prolong or exacerbate ocular viral infections; use following cataract surgery may delay healing or increase the incidence of bleb formation.


Adverse Reactions

 Frequency not defined.

Dermatologic: Delayed wound healing

Local: Burning, stinging

Ocular: Intraocular pressure increased, glaucoma, superficial punctate keratitis, optic nerve damage (infrequent), posterior subcapsular cataract formation

Miscellaneous: Secondary infection


Drug Interactions

 Prednisolone: Substrate of CYP3A4 (minor); Inhibits CYP3A4 (weak)

Also see individual agents.


Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics

 See individual agents.


Dosage

 Ophthalmic: Children and Adults:

Ointment: Apply 1 /2 inch ribbon in the conjunctival sac 1-3 times/day

Suspension: 1 drop 2-4 times/day; during the initial 24-48 hours, the dosing frequency may be increased if necessary up to 1 drop every hour


Administration

 Ophthalmic:

Ointment: For topical application into the conjunctival sac

Suspension: For topical application to the eye only; shake suspension well before using; do not inject subconjunctivally or introduce into the anterior chamber of the eye


Patient Education

 Shake suspension well; to avoid contamination, do not touch tip of container to any surface


Nursing Implications

 Monitor intraocular pressure with use >10 days


Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

 No significant effects or complications reported


Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions

 No information available to require special precautions


Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status

 None reported


Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment

 None reported


Dosage Forms

Ointment, ophthalmic: Prednisolone acetate 0.6% and gentamicin sulfate 0.3% (3.5 g)

Suspension, ophthalmic: Prednisolone acetate 1% and gentamicin sulfate 0.3% (2 mL, 5 mL, 10 mL) [contains benzalkonium chloride]


References

Samples JR and Meyer SM, "Use of Ophthalmic Medications in Pregnant and Nursing Women," Am J Ophthalmol , 1988, 106(5):616-23.


A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com