Gentamicin ointment: mechanism of action and application

As a result of the life of microorganisms (Micromospora purpurea), an antibiotic, gentamicin, is formed. It is used in the form of gentamicin sulfate (Gentamicyni sulfas). This powder is readily soluble in H2O. Aqueous solutions are fairly persistent, can withstand boiling. Form release - 4% aqueous solutions, powder and 0.1% ointment. When preparing the ointment use additional substances (petrolatum white and paraffin). Gentamicin ointment is used for external use. The drug contains an antibiotic (Gentamicyni sulfas), belonging to the aminoglycoside series. It shows a wide spectrum of action.

Gentamicin ointment: mechanism of action

According to the spectrum of antibacterial action does not differ from other antibiotics of this group. Has a bactericidal effect on most gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms, including Proteus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, klepsiels, Campylobacteria, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus and others. It is less effective against stethococci, enterococci, clostridia. With the combined administration of gentamycin with penicillins (oxacillin, carbenicillin, ampicillin), a good bactericidal effect is obtained with regard to entero- and streptococci. Gentamycin sulfate does not affect anaerobic bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi. Resistance of microorganisms to the action of an antibiotic is developed gradually. It should be noted that strains resistant to the action of such antibiotics as kanamycin and neomycin, show resistance to the action of gentamicin (cross resistance).

Since the gentamicin ointment contains an antibiotic of the aminoglycoside series, it does not penetrate well through the skin and mucous membranes. In this regard, this ointment is practically not resorptive. The duration of the action after a single application can last up to 8-12 hours. Therefore, gentamicin ointment is applied to the damaged surface once or twice a day, taking into account the severity of the lesion and the nature of the course of the underlying pathology. The active substance (antibiotic) is excreted from the body by the kidneys, practically unchanged, in sufficiently high concentrations.

Gentamicin Ointment: instructions for use

This drug is widely used in surgical practice for the treatment of wounds in Phase II of the wound process in order to prevent the development of purulent infection. Gentamicin ointment is used for burns and frostbite. Dermatologists ointment is used to treat skin diseases of infectious etiology (superficial folliculitis, pyoderma, dermatitis, eczema, furunculosis, ulcers, acne, etc.) caused by gentamicin-sensitive bacteria. Gentamicin ointment can also be used in the treatment of domestic injuries (small wounds, scratches).

Method of application

After appropriate (following the rules of aseptic and antiseptic) treatment of wounds and burns, gentamicin ointment is directly applied to the wound surface, then a gauze bandage is applied . Ointment with an antibiotic can also be applied first to the bandage, and then to the wound surface. As a rule, to treat wounds ointment is used twice a day, and when treating burns - twice a week. Depending on the form and severity of the disease, treatment can last up to two weeks. In the presence of ulcers and erosions, the wound is first treated with disinfectants (3% hydrogen peroxide, 2% alcohol solution of boric acid), followed by gentamicin ointment. The use of the drug may provoke the appearance of side effects, which manifest as allergic reactions and hyperemia. The use of gentamicin ointment is contraindicated in the presence of allergic reactions to the antibiotic and in phase I of the wound process.