Gentamicin Ear Drops 7.5ml

Drug Class: Topical Aminoglycoside Antibiotic | Form: Ear Drops (Otic Solution) | Prescription Status: Prescription Only (Rx) — DRAP Registered

What is Gentamicin Ear Drops 7.5ml?

Gentamicin Ear Drops 7.5ml is an antibiotic ear drop medicine used to treat bacterial infections of the outer ear canal — a condition known as otitis externa (کان کی نالی کا بیکٹیریل انفیکشن) or commonly called swimmer's ear. It contains Gentamicin, a powerful aminoglycoside antibiotic that directly kills the bacteria responsible for outer ear infections. Unlike combination ear drops that also contain a steroid, Gentamicin Ear Drops provide targeted antibiotic treatment without a steroid component — making them suitable for bacterial infections where inflammation is not the primary concern or where steroid use needs to be avoided. The drops are applied directly into the ear canal, delivering the antibiotic exactly where it is needed with minimal absorption into the rest of the body. Gentamicin Ear Drops must only be used as prescribed by your doctor and must never be used if the eardrum is perforated or damaged.

What is Gentamicin Ear Drops Used For?

Gentamicin Ear Drops 7.5ml is approved for the treatment of the following conditions:

• Otitis Externa (Outer Ear Canal Infection) — bacterial infection of the skin lining the ear canal causing pain, swelling, discharge, and itching (کان کی بیرونی نالی کا بیکٹیریل انفیکشن)
• Swimmer's Ear — infection of the outer ear canal caused by moisture remaining in the ear after swimming, bathing, or exposure to humid conditions
• Acute Bacterial Otitis Externa — sudden-onset bacterial infection of the outer ear canal requiring prompt antibiotic treatment
• Chronic Otitis Externa — persistent or recurring bacterial infection of the outer ear canal
• Infected Ear Canal Skin Conditions — bacterial infection occurring on top of pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema or dermatitis inside the ear canal
• Post-Traumatic Ear Canal Infections — bacterial infection following minor trauma, scratching, or skin breakdown in the ear canal

How Does Gentamicin Ear Drops Work?

Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that kills bacteria through a precise and highly effective mechanism. It works by penetrating the bacterial cell wall and binding irreversibly to the bacteria's ribosomes — the internal structures that bacteria use to produce the proteins essential for their survival, growth, and reproduction. By blocking this protein production process, Gentamicin disrupts critical bacterial functions and causes the bacteria to die. This is known as a bactericidal effect — meaning Gentamicin actively kills bacteria rather than simply stopping them from multiplying.

Gentamicin is effective against a broad range of bacteria commonly responsible for outer ear infections — particularly Gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus species, as well as certain Gram-positive bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus. These are among the most frequent bacterial causes of otitis externa. Because the drops are applied directly into the ear canal, high concentrations of Gentamicin are delivered precisely at the site of infection — achieving a strong antibacterial effect with minimal absorption into the bloodstream and minimal risk of systemic side effects.

Dosage and Administration

⚠️ For use in the ear only — never swallow ear drops or place in the eyes. Never use these drops if the eardrum is perforated or if a middle ear infection is suspected. Always follow your doctor's instructions on dose and duration exactly.

How to Apply Gentamicin Ear Drops Correctly:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the bottle
2. Warm the bottle gently by holding it in your hands for 1 to 2 minutes — applying cold drops directly into the ear can cause sudden dizziness
3. Tilt your head to one side so the affected ear faces upward
4. Gently pull the outer ear upward and backward (for adults) or downward and backward (for young children) to straighten and open the ear canal fully
5. Hold the dropper just above the ear opening — do not insert the dropper tip inside the ear canal as this can contaminate the bottle
6. Apply the correct number of drops carefully
7. Gently press the small flap of skin (tragus) over the ear opening several times to help the drops travel deep into the ear canal
8. Keep your head tilted for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the drops to settle and coat the canal properly
9. Use a clean piece of cotton wool to gently catch any excess drops that overflow — do not push cotton into the ear canal
10. Repeat for the other ear if both ears are affected and your doctor has prescribed bilateral treatment
11. Replace the cap tightly and store correctly after every use

• Complete the full prescribed course of treatment even if your symptoms improve before the course is finished — stopping early allows bacteria to survive and can cause the infection to return
• Treatment is typically continued for 7 days — do not extend use beyond 10 days without doctor review
• If symptoms do not begin to improve within 3 to 4 days of starting treatment, contact your doctor

Active Ingredient

Please check the product label or ask your pharmacist for the exact strength per ml of the specific pack dispensed to you.

Who Should NOT Use Gentamicin Ear Drops?

Do not use these drops if you or your child:

• Have a perforated eardrum (پھٹا ہوا پردہ کان) — this is the most critical contraindication. If the eardrum has a hole or tear, Gentamicin can pass through into the middle and inner ear where it can cause permanent and irreversible hearing loss and balance problems
• Have a suspected middle ear infection (otitis media — درمیانی کان کا انفیکشن) — middle ear infections are a different condition requiring different treatment — usually oral antibiotics
• Have a fungal ear infection (otomycosis — پھپھوندی سے کان کا انفیکشن) — Gentamicin is an antibiotic and has no effect against fungal infections — antifungal treatment is needed
• Have a viral ear infection — Gentamicin has no effect against viruses
• Are allergic to Gentamicin or any other aminoglycoside antibiotic (e.g., Tobramycin, Neomycin, Amikacin)
• Have grommets (ear tubes) fitted — consult your doctor before use as Gentamicin reaching the middle ear through tubes can cause inner ear damage
• Have had ear surgery involving the eardrum or middle ear — consult your surgeon before using any ear drops
• Are under 1 year of age — consult a specialist paediatrician before use in very young infants

Tell your doctor before use if:

• You are unsure whether your eardrum is intact — your doctor must examine the ear first before prescribing drops
• There is any discharge from the ear that could indicate a ruptured eardrum
• You have a history of recurrent or chronic ear infections
• You have previously had a reaction to any ear drops or aminoglycoside antibiotic medicines
• You have any existing hearing loss or balance problems
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding — your doctor will assess safety before prescribing

Side Effects

Like all medicines, Gentamicin Ear Drops can cause side effects. Because these drops are applied locally in the ear canal, side effects are generally mild and limited to the ear area. Not everyone will experience them.

Common Side Effects (relatively frequent):

• Mild temporary stinging or burning sensation immediately after applying the drops — usually settles within a few minutes of application
• Mild itching inside the ear canal — often temporary and improves as the infection clears
• Feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear — usually resolves as the infection and swelling improve
• Temporary dizziness immediately after application — most commonly caused by applying cold drops — warming the bottle first prevents this

Serious Side Effects (less common — seek medical help immediately):

• Allergic contact dermatitis — aminoglycoside antibiotics including Gentamicin can cause skin sensitisation and allergic reaction in the ear canal. Signs include worsening redness, intense itching, new rash, swelling, or blistering around or inside the ear — stop the drops immediately and consult your doctor
• Severe allergic reaction — sudden widespread rash, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing — seek emergency help immediately
• Hearing loss or changes in hearing — any new or worsening hearing loss during treatment must be reported to your doctor immediately — do not continue the drops if hearing changes occur. This is most serious if the drops are used with a perforated eardrum
• Balance problems or dizziness — new persistent dizziness or balance disturbance during treatment must be reported to your doctor — aminoglycosides can affect the balance organ in the inner ear if they reach it
• Worsening of symptoms — if pain, discharge, swelling, or redness increases rather than improving after 3 to 4 days of treatment, stop the drops and see your doctor — the infection may need reassessment or a different treatment approach
• Fungal superinfection — prolonged antibiotic use can occasionally allow fungi to overgrow in the ear canal. Signs include new itching, thick or unusual discharge, or an unusual smell developing after initial improvement — inform your doctor

If you notice any serious side effects, stop using the drops immediately and go to the nearest hospital or doctor.

Drug Interactions

Gentamicin Ear Drops are applied directly into the ear canal and very little medicine is absorbed into the bloodstream with correct short-term use. Significant systemic drug interactions are therefore unlikely. However the following are important:

Always inform your doctor about all medicines, ear preparations, vitamins, or supplements you are currently using.

Storage Instructions

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
• Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Do not refrigerate or freeze the ear drops
• Keep out of reach of children (بچوں کی پہنچ سے دور رکھیں)
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the bottle or outer box
• Keep the bottle tightly closed after each use to prevent contamination of the solution
• Discard the bottle 4 weeks after first opening — do not continue to use beyond this period even if liquid remains in the bottle
• Do not use if the solution appears cloudy, discoloured, or contains any visible particles

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Gentamicin Ear Drops used for?

Gentamicin Ear Drops are used to treat bacterial infections of the outer ear canal — also known as otitis externa or swimmer's ear. Gentamicin kills the bacteria causing the infection, relieving symptoms such as pain, swelling, itching, redness, and discharge from the ear canal. They are applied directly into the ear 3 to 4 times daily for a course of 7 days.

Why must I never use Gentamicin Ear Drops if my eardrum is perforated?

The eardrum is a critical protective barrier separating the outer ear canal from the delicate structures of the middle and inner ear. If the eardrum has a perforation — a hole or tear — ear drops applied to the outer canal can pass through into the inner ear. Gentamicin reaching the inner ear is toxic to the sensitive hair cells responsible for both hearing and balance. This damage is permanent and irreversible — meaning it cannot be reversed once it occurs. Your doctor must always examine your ear and confirm the eardrum is completely intact before prescribing Gentamicin Ear Drops or any aminoglycoside-containing drops.

How quickly will Gentamicin Ear Drops relieve my symptoms?

Most patients notice a gradual improvement in pain, discharge, and swelling within 2 to 3 days of starting regular treatment. However, it is essential to complete the full 7-day course even if symptoms improve before the course ends. Stopping early leaves surviving bacteria in the ear canal, which can cause the infection to return — sometimes in a form that is harder to treat. If you notice no improvement at all after 3 to 4 days, contact your doctor for reassessment.

Can Gentamicin Ear Drops be used in children?

 Yes — Gentamicin Ear Drops can be used in children but with care. For children under 12 years of age, use 2 drops three times daily rather than the adult dose. For very young children or infants under 1 year, always consult a specialist paediatric doctor before use. Always have a doctor examine the child's ear to confirm the eardrum is intact before applying any aminoglycoside ear drops. Never use in children with grommets without specific medical advice.

What is the difference between Gentamicin Ear Drops and Dexatob Ear Drops?

 Both products treat bacterial ear infections but with different components. Gentamicin Ear Drops contain only Gentamicin — an antibiotic — and target the bacterial infection alone. Dexatob Ear Drops combine Tobramycin (another aminoglycoside antibiotic) with Dexamethasone (a steroid) — treating both the bacterial infection and the inflammatory response simultaneously. Your doctor will prescribe the most appropriate option based on whether significant inflammation is present alongside the infection and whether a steroid component is suitable for your specific situation.

Can I use Gentamicin Ear Drops if I have a fungal ear infection?

No. Gentamicin is an antibiotic that only kills bacteria — it has no effect against fungal infections. Fungal ear infections (otomycosis) require specific antifungal ear drops or treatment. Using antibiotic drops for a fungal infection will not clear the infection and may allow it to worsen. If you are unsure whether your ear infection is bacterial or fungal, consult your doctor who will examine your ear and prescribe the correct treatment.

Is it normal to feel dizzy when I put the drops in?

Brief, momentary dizziness immediately after applying ear drops is relatively common and is usually caused by the temperature difference between the drops and the body. Applying cold drops directly into the ear canal can briefly stimulate the balance organ. You can prevent this by warming the bottle in your hands for 1 to 2 minutes before use. If dizziness is persistent, severe, or accompanied by spinning sensations that last more than a few minutes after applying the drops, stop using them and contact your doctor immediately.

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⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This product description is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. This product is a prescription medicine — it must only be used under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional.

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DRAP Registered | Prescription Required (Rx) | For external use in the ear only | Do not use if eardrum is perforated