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What Is Gentamicin Topical?

Gentamicin topical is an antibiotic applied to the skin as a cream or ointment. It treats certain skin infections caused by susceptible bacteria. These products are for skin use and should not be put in the eyes.

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What Is Gentamicin Topical?

Gentamicin topical is an antibiotic applied to the skin as a cream or ointment. It treats certain skin infections caused by susceptible bacteria. These products are for skin use and should not be put in the eyes.

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What Is Gentamicin Topical Used For?

Gentamicin topical can treat certain primary bacterial skin infections, such as impetigo and superficial folliculitis. It can also treat bacterial infection that develops in affected skin, such as infected dermatitis or minor wounds. It does not treat a fungal or viral infection itself.

How Does Gentamicin Topical Work?

Gentamicin disrupts bacterial protein production and kills susceptible bacteria on the treated skin. This helps control the bacterial part of an infection. A clinician can determine whether the skin condition needs this antibiotic or a different treatment.

How Is Gentamicin Topical Applied?

Apply the prescribed cream or ointment to the affected skin as directed. The amount and treatment schedule depend on the product and the infection. Keep it out of the eyes and follow the prescriber's instructions for the full treatment period.

What Are the Risks of Gentamicin Topical?

Redness, itching, or irritation can occur where the medicine is applied. Continued use can allow organisms that are not susceptible to gentamicin, including fungi, to grow. Contact the prescriber if irritation develops, the area worsens, or the infection does not improve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gentamicin Topical

Can gentamicin cream be used in the eyes?

No. Skin creams and ointments are not made for use in the eyes.

Does gentamicin topical treat fungal infections?

No. It acts against susceptible bacteria and does not kill fungi.

What is the difference between the cream and ointment?

The cream is a water-washable preparation that can suit wet or oozing areas. The ointment can help retain moisture on drier affected skin.

What if the treated skin becomes more irritated?

Contact the prescriber for advice. Irritation or a new infection may require a change in treatment.

References

Gentamicin. StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557550/. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.

Gentamicin (topical route) - Side effects & dosage. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/gentamicin-topical-route/description/drg-20064038. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.

Gentamicin skin cream or ointment. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20703-gentamicin-skin-cream-or-ointment. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.

GENTAMICIN SULFATE cream. DailyMed (National Library of Medicine). https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=4cfbe37e-11d6-46fc-b287-0561387b17b7. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.

GENTAMICIN SULFATE ointment. DailyMed (National Library of Medicine). https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=e2fd1885-afad-dcc8-ad64-27d45f63c00f. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.