Gentamicin + Betamethasone Ophthalmic

What is gentamicin + betamethasone ophthalmic?

Gentamicin + betamethasone ophthalmic (Gentocin Durofilm®) is a steroid anti-inflammatory eye medication with antibiotic used for the treatment of external eye infections and inflammation of the eye in dogs.  It is also sometimes used to manage pannus or pigmentary keratitis in dogs.  

Gentamicin + betamethasone ophthalmic may be used off label (extra-label) in cats and horses. “Off label” means the drug is being used in a way that has not been reviewed or approved by the FDA or Health Canada. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions carefully, as they may be significantly different from those on the label.

How are gentamicin + betamethasone ophthalmic given?

Gentamicin + betamethasone ophthalmic comes as a liquid eye drop that is instilled directly into the eye. 

• Follow your veterinarian’s directions and give this medication exactly as prescribed. 
• Wash your hands before administering this medication.
• Do not touch the dropper tip to your pet’s eye or any other surface to prevent contamination.
• If any residue is left on your pet’s face after giving the eye drops, gently wipe it off with a damp cloth or tissue.
• If you are administering more than one eye medication to your animal, wait 5 minutes between each medication before giving the next one. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to absorb into the eye.
• If you are having difficulty applying this medication or your pet does not accept the treatment, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist for tips to help with administration and reduce the stress of medication time.
• There are no known major precautions for humans exposed to gentamicin + betamethasone ophthalmic unless a known allergy to these drugs exists.

This medication should take effect within 1-2 hours and improvement in clinical signs should follow.

What if I miss giving my pet the medication?

If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember, and then continue with the regular dosing schedule. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

Are there any potential side effects?

Gentamicin + betamethasone ophthalmic may cause the following side effects:

• mild burning, stinging, irritation, or redness of the eyes
• drooping of the eyelid
• vomiting and diarrhea in some pets

Serious side effects include:

• difficulty breathing or swelling of the throat, which can indicate a severe allergic reaction to this drug
• worsening signs of an eye infection, such as squinting, sensitivity to light, or yellow or green discharge
• failure of eye injuries to heal
• loss of blood sugar control in diabetic animals
• increased pressure within the eyes may occur with extended use of eye drops, in susceptible pets

Drug sensitivities can develop over time, with repeated exposure. Your pet may have no reaction after the first few doses but may develop a sensitivity later. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction over the entire course of treatment. 

This medication should stop working within 1–2 days, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease. 

Are there any risk factors for this medication?

Gentamicin + betamethasone ophthalmic should NOT BE USED in:

• pets who have eye ulceration (e.g., corneal ulcers)
• pets who have viral or fungal eye infections 
• birds

Gentamicin + betamethasone ophthalmic should be USED WITH CAUTION in pets who:

• are diabetic
• have glaucoma
• are pregnant or nursing

Long-term use of steroids such as gentamicin or betamethasone have been associated with the onset of Cushing’s disease in dogs, and symptoms such as increased thirst and urination, and increase in blood liver enzymes.

Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?

Make sure your veterinarian is aware of any medications (including vitamins, supplements or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking before starting any new treatment. There are no documented drug interactions for this medication.

Is any monitoring needed with this medication? 

• Pets using steroid drops in the eyes for the long term should have intraocular pressure measured by your veterinarian on a routine basis.
• At home, monitor for any side effects such as those noted above. If any side effects occur, discontinue the medication, and contact your veterinarian.

Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations regarding:

• when your pet needs to be rechecked
• what tests may need to be performed before and during treatment with this drug

How do I store gentamicin + betamethasone ophthalmic? 

• Store at controlled room temperature or in the refrigerator between 2°C and 25°C (36°F and 77°F). 
• Do not freeze. 
• Protect from light.
• Keep away from children and other animals.

Ask your veterinarian for specific disposal instructions. Do not flush medicines down the sink or toilet unless instructed to.

What should I do in case of emergency?

If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility. Be prepared to provide information about the product and your pet's weight and symptoms.