Gentamicin + Betamethasone Eye Drops

This is a combination eye medication that contains:

• Gentamicin – an antibiotic

• Betamethasone – a corticosteroid

It is used when there is both bacterial infection and inflammation in the eye.

Components and Their Roles

1. Gentamicin

   • Type: Aminoglycoside antibiotic

   • Action: Kills bacteria by interfering with protein production.

   • Purpose: Treats bacterial eye infections such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis, or keratitis.

2. Betamethasone

   • Type: Corticosteroid

   • Action: Reduces inflammation, swelling, and redness.

   • Purpose: Relieves irritation and pain, and prevents complications from inflammation.

Common Uses

• Bacterial conjunctivitis with significant redness and swelling

• Blepharitis (eyelid infection with inflammation)

• Keratitis (corneal infection) with inflammation

• Post-eye surgery when there is risk of infection and inflammation

Advantages

• Treats both infection and inflammation at the same time

• Reduces pain, redness, and risk of tissue damage

• Convenient single drop rather than separate antibiotic and steroid treatments

Possible Side Effects

From Gentamicin:

• Mild stinging or irritation after application

• Allergic reaction (rare)

From Betamethasone:

• May increase eye pressure (risk of glaucoma with long-term use)

• May delay wound healing

• Can worsen viral or fungal eye infections if misused

Precautions

• Should be used only as prescribed — steroid-containing eye drops must be used carefully.

• Not for viral or fungal infections — can make those worse.

• Long-term use should be avoided unless monitored by an eye doctor (to prevent glaucoma or cataracts).

• Wash hands before use and avoid contaminating the dropper tip.