Gento-HC is indicated for the treatment of chronic suppurative otitis media, otitis externa and as prophylactic treatment of otitis externa following trauma. Gento-HC is also indicated for post-operative local use in surgery to infected mastoid cavities.

DOSAGE: For Middle Ear Infection: Instill 2-4 drops in the affected ear three to four times a day and at night, or more frequently if required. The suspension should be warmed by holding the bottle in the hand for one or two minutes to avoid dizziness, which may result from the instillation of a cold suspension. The patient should lie with the affected ear upward, and then the drops should be instilled. The tragus should then be pumped 5 times by pushing inward to facilitate penetration of the drops into the middle ear. This position should be maintained for two minutes. Repeat, if necessary, for the opposite ear. Discard unused portion after therapy is completed. For Ear Canal Infection: Instill 2-4 drops in the affected ear three to four times a day and at night, or more frequently if required. The suspension should be warmed by holding the bottle in the hand for one or two minutes to avoid dizziness, which may result from the instillation of a cold suspension. The patient should lie with the affected ear upward, and then the drops should be instilled. This position should be maintained for two minutes to facilitate penetration of the drops into the ear canal. Repeat, if necessary, for the opposite ear. Discard unused portion after therapy is completed. ADMINISTRATION: Wash hands: The person giving this Ear Drops should wash his/her hands with soap and water. Clean ear & warm bottle: Gently clean any discharge that can be removed easily from the outer ear. Do not insert any object or swab into the ear canal. Hold the bottle of this Ear Drops in the hand for one or two minutes to warm the suspension. Add drop: The person receiving this Ear Drops should lie on his/her side with the infected ear up. Patients should have 2-4 drops of this Ear Drops put into the infected ear. The tip of the bottle should not touch the fingers or the ear or any other surfaces. Be sure to follow instructions below for the patient's specific ear infection. Press ear or pull ear: For Patients with Middle Ear Infection: While the person receiving this Ear Drops lies on his/her side, the person giving the drops should gently press the tragus five times in a pumping motion. This will allow the drops to pass through the hole or tube in the eardrum and into the middle ear. For Patients with Ear Canal Infection: While the person receiving the drops lies on his/her side, the person giving the drops should gently pull the outer ear lobe upward and backward. This will allow the ear drops to flow down into the ear canal. Stay on side: The person who received the ear drops should remain on his/her side for at least two minutes. Repeat Steps 2-5 for the other ear if both ears are infected. INTERACTION: Gentamicin: Additive effect with other neurotoxic and/or nephrotoxic drugs including cephalosporins, methicillin, amphotericin B, ciclosporin, cisplatin, potent diuretics (e.g. ethacrynic acid, furosemide) and neuromuscular blocking agents (e.g. succinylcholine, tubocurarine). May potentiate the effect of anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin, phenindione). May antagonize the effect of neostigmine and pyridostigmine. Increased risk of hypocalcemia with bisphosphonates. Increased risk of neuromuscular blockade with botulinum toxin. Indomethacin may increase the plasma concentration of gentamicin in neonates. Hydrocortisone: Thiazides may enhance hyperglycemia and hypokalemia caused by corticosteroids. Increased incidence of peptic ulcer or Gl bleeding with concurrent NSAIDs admin. Response to anticoagulants altered. Dose of antidiabetics and antihypertensives needs to be increased. Decreases serum cone of salicylates and antimuscarinic agents. Ethanol may enhance gastric mucosal irritation. Reduced efficacy with concurrent use of carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone, barbiturates and rifampicin. Mutual inhibition of metabolism between ciclosporin and corticosteroids increase plasma cone of both drugs. Enhanced effect in women taking estrogens or oral contraceptives. CONTRAINDICATIONS: This is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected perforation, or where there is a risk of perforation of the tympanic membrane. This Ear Drops should not be used to treat viral infections of the external ear canal unless it is suspected that there is a secondary bacterial infection present which will respond to topical Gentamicin. Known hypersensitivity to Hydrocortisone or Gentamicin or any other components of the product. SIDE EFFECTS: Ear discomfort, ear irritation may occur in rare cases. Gentamicin may cause irreversible partial or total deafness when given systemically or when applied topically to open wounds or damaged skin. PREGNANCY & LACTATION: Pregnancy: No adequate and well controlled studies have been performed in pregnant women. Topical administration of any corticosteroid to pregnant animals can cause abnormalities of fetal development. Caution should be exercised when this Ear Drops is used by a pregnant woman.