<p>Gentamicin is not effective against fungi, yeasts or viruses. Patients with superficial fungus or yeast infections also must receive specific therapy and the use of the drug may have to be discontinued. The use of such topical preparations may result in an overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms.<br />
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Suitable precautions should be taken in using topical corticosteroids in patients with stasis dermatitis and other skin diseases with impaired circulation.<br />
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Prolonged use of corticosteroid preparations may produce striae or atrophy of the skin or s.c. tissue. If this occurs, treatment should be discontinued.<br />
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Causal factors should be sought and eliminated whenever possible and the sensitivity of an infecting organism to gentamicin should be verified.<br />
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Patients should be advised to inform subsequent physicians of the prior use of corticosteroids.<br />
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While no systemic effects have been observed following the topical application of gentamicin, toxic systemic concentrations can cause permanent impairment of vestibular function in the presence of renal insufficiency or existing 8th cranial nerve damage.<br />
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Caution should be exercised if gentamicin is used in individuals who are known to be sensitive to topically applied antibacterials. If irritation or sensitization develops, treatment should be discontinued.<br />
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Application over extensive lesions may result in significant systemic absorption producing hypercortisonism manifesting itself by adrenal suppression, moon face, striae and suppression of growth in children.<br />
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Patients should be followed up regularly, and the product should be discontinued when the infection has cleared.<br />
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Occlusive dressing should not be used.</p>