What is the treatment for Dex-Gentamicin Ointment? Indications of this ophthalmic preparation will be discussed in detail below. We will also tell you how to use this medicine, what is its cost in Russia, and whether it can be used by underage children.
Description of the drug, its composition
Dex-Gentamicin Ophthalmic Ointment is available in the form of a translucent, white, creamy mass with a yellowish tint. Its main elements are gentamicin sulfate and dexamethasone. Also, the composition of the ophthalmic agent includes such auxiliary components as liquid paraffin, white petrolatum and lanolin.
On sale, ointment for the eyes comes in aluminum tubes (volume 2.5 g) with a polyethylene tip, which are placed in cardboard bundles.
It cannot be said that the drug in question can be found in the form of ophthalmic drops.
Pharmacology of the drug for the eyes
Dex-Gentamicin Ophthalmic Ointment is a combination product intended for topical use in ophthalmic practice. It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects.
The effectiveness of this drug is due to the properties of its active components.
Dexamethasone is a corticosteroids that has anti-allergic and pronounced anti-inflammatory effects. According to experts, the index of anti-inflammatory activity (relative) of this component is 30.
As for gentamicin, it is an antibiotic belonging to the aminoglycoside group. This ingredient is characterized by a wide spectrum of action. It is particularly active against many gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms.
We can not say that gentamicin has a moderate effect on Staphylococcus spp.
Kinetics of a local drug
How is the absorption of the drug “Dex-Gentamicin”, the price of which is indicated below? With local application, dexamethasone penetrates quite well and quickly enough into the conjunctiva and corneal epithelium. In this case, the necessary therapeutic concentrations are achieved in the aqueous humor of the visual organs. With damage or inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye, the penetration rate increases significantly.
With topical use of gentamicin sulfate in a therapeutic concentration is found in the stroma of the cornea, as well as in the vitreous body and in the moisture of the anterior chamber (for 6 hours).
It should also be noted that this component is not able to penetrate into the systemic bloodstream through the intact epithelium.
Indications for use of ointment for eyes
Considered ointment from barley helps very well. It is also recommended for use with:
- allergic processes observed in the anterior segment of the eye, which are accompanied by bacterial infection;
- infections of the anterior segment of the optic organ caused by flora that is sensitive to gentamicin (including conjunctivitis, keratitis, blepharitis);
- prevention and treatment of inflammatory processes in the postoperative period (for example, after anti-glaucoma surgery and cataract removal).
Contraindications to the use of an ophthalmic drug
In what cases is the ointment for barley and other eye diseases contraindicated for use? According to the instructions, this tool is not recommended for:
- fungal diseases of the eye;
- keratitis caused by the Varicella zoster and Herpes simplex viruses (that is, with treelike keratitis);
- mycobacterial infections of the eyes;
- viral diseases of the conjunctiva and cornea (including chicken pox);
- acute purulent eye diseases with lesions of the corneal epithelium;
- increased intraocular pressure;
- corneal epitheliopathy;
- trauma and ulcerative lesions of the cornea;
- in the first trimester of pregnancy;
- wearing contact lenses;
- at a minor age (due to lack of data on the safety and effectiveness of the drug);
- hypersensitivity to the components of the product.
The drug "Dex-Gentamicin": instructions for use
How should I use the drug in question? According to the instructions, a strip of eye ointment 10 mm long must be placed in the conjunctival sac. Such procedures should be carried out up to three times a day.
During the application of this drug, it is advisable to avoid contact of the tube with the conjunctiva and the surface of the skin.
The duration of treatment with ophthalmic ointment usually does not exceed three weeks. In this case, the duration of therapy is determined by the severity of symptoms, the effectiveness of the drug and the likelihood of adverse reactions.
With the parallel use of several ophthalmic agents, Dex-Gentamicin must be laid after hours after using other drugs.
Side effects after laying the ointment
The considered ointment for the eyes very rarely causes a burning sensation in the visual organs and allergic reactions.
It should also be noted that this tool can contribute to the development of dermatitis (contact), keratitis (herpetic), perforation of the cornea, fungal infection, bacterial infection of the cornea, ptosis and mydriasis.
The use of ointment after receiving a corneal injury can lead to a delayed healing process.
With prolonged use of the medication, patients often develop secondary glaucoma or steroid cataracts.
Overdose, interaction with other drugs
Dex-Gentamicin Ophthalmic Ointment does not contribute to the development of overdose symptoms. When combined with atropine, as well as other cholinergic agents and drugs that cause mydriasis, intraocular pressure may increase in patients.
When used locally, gentamicin is incompatible with heparin, amphotericin B, cephalotin, sulfadiazine, and cloxacillin. The combination of these drugs can lead to the deposition of precipitates in the conjunctival sac.
Special Information for Patients
Dex-Gentamicin ointment is not prescribed for children (minors).
With the duration of use of the drug (more than 14 days), as well as in people with a history of glaucoma, it is necessary to constantly monitor pressure (intraocular).
If contact lenses are needed, then they must be removed before laying the drug and installed again no earlier than after 18 minutes.
Before prescribing this drug, the patient must be informed that with the development of side effects, treatment should be stopped immediately and consult an optometrist.
Clinical studies regarding the safety of the use of Dex-Gentamicin ointment during pregnancy and lactation have not been conducted. Therefore, in such periods, it is better to refuse to use the agent in question.
Immediately after laying the anti-inflammatory ointment in the conjunctival sac, the patient may experience a slight violation of visual acuity, which leads to a violation of psychomotor reactions. In this regard, this medication is not recommended for use before driving vehicles and working with various mechanisms.
Ointment "Dex-Gentamicin": reviews
What do patients say about the drug in question? According to their reviews, Dex-Gentamicin ointment is a very effective anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent. It quickly and well treats eye diseases such as barley, conjunctivitis, blepharitis and keratitis. In addition, this drug is often used for inflammation, infection and allergies of the visual organs.
It can not be said that a large number of patients are pleased with the affordable price of this medication. As you know, it is about 165-180 Russian rubles for 2.5 g of tube.