Gentocin ^® Topical Spray (Brand)

What is Gentocin Topical Spray?
Gentocin Topical Spray is a combination topical spray medication that treats bacterial superficial infections of the skin and reduces inflammation.

Who is it for?
Gentocin Topical Spray is labeled for use in dogs.

What are the benefits?

How does Gentocin Topical Spray work?
Gentocin Topical Spray contains two active ingredients: gentamicin and betamethasone. Gentamicin is an antibiotic. It blocks the production of protein in the bacteria, which causes them to die. The betamethasone is a corticosteroid. It blocks the substances that trigger inflammation.

Is there a generic equivalent available?
Yes. Gentaspray, Betagen Topical Spray, Gentamicin Topical Spray, and Gentaved Topical Spray.

How is it given?
Gentocin Topical Spray is applied topically. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty applying the medication, contact your veterinarian. The area of skin should be thoroughly cleaned and dried before treatment. Use a skin cleansing solution to clean the lesion and adjacent area, according to your veterinarian's directions. Clip any excessive hair from the treatment area, as directed. Avoid contact with the eyes. Prevent your pet from licking the area of application. This medication should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed.

What results can I expect?
Gentocin Topical Spray will help kill bacteria infecting superficial (mild) lesions of the skin. It will also help decrease the itching and inflammation of those lesions. It usually must be used more than once a day to have a full effect. Follow your veterinarian's directions closely. This medication is not labeled for use beyond 7 days, since it could delay wound healing. If symptoms persist after the end of the treatment period, contact your veterinarian.

What form(s) does it come in?
This medication comes in a liquid spray.

Please click on "More Information" for possible drug and food interactions with this medication.

Brand Name
Gentocin Topical Spray

Pronunciation
Jen-TOE-sin

Common Drug Name
Gentamicin with betamethasone

What should I discuss with my veterinarian while considering Gentocin Topical Spray?
Talk to your veterinarian about what tests and exams may be necessary while your pet is receiving Gentocin Topical Spray. Also discuss how long the treatment period will be and what type of outcome is expected. You and your veterinarian should talk about any other treatment options that are recommended for your pet.

Have your veterinarian or veterinary technician show you how to properly clean the skin area prior to applying the Gentocin Topical Spray.

Notify your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your dog is taking, and also if your dog has had any reactions to previous medications. Also tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant.

What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the application you missed and go back to the regular schedule.

What is the most important information I should know?
The skin should be clean and dry before applying Gentocin Topical Spray.

Who should not take it?
Do not use in animals hypersensitive (allergic) to any of the ingredients.

Prevent oral ingestion of the medication. If ingested at high doses or for extended periods, corticosteroids can cause premature birth especially toward the end of pregnancy. In dogs, rabbits, and rodents, corticosteroids can cause birth defects. Corticosteroids, if given at high doses or for extended periods, can cause delayed wound healing and immunosuppression resulting in an increased risk of bacterial or fungal infections.

What side effects may be seen when taking Gentocin Topical Spray?
Side effects to the topical administration are extremely rare. If ingested, the most common side effect of corticosteroids is an increase in the amount of drinking and urinating. Less commonly, you may see an increased appetite and weight gain, panting, diarrhea, vomiting, and behavior changes. Contact your veterinarian if side effects are noticed or if the condition worsens.

If your pet experiences an allergic reaction to the medication, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

How is it stored?
Store at room temperature. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

What should I do if I know of or suspect there has been an overdose?
Adverse reactions and toxicities are unlikely if used according to directions. If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, or if you observe any unusual signs, symptoms, or behaviors, contact your veterinarian immediately.

What should I avoid when giving my pet Gentocin Topical Spray?
Notify your veterinarian of any other medications, including vitamins and supplements, your pet is taking while your pet is receiving Gentocin Topical Spray. If ingested, there is an increased risk of stomach ulcers when corticosteroids are used with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, carprofen (Rimadyl), deracoxib (Deramaxx), or etodolac (EtoGesic). Consult your veterinarian before using Gentocin Topical Spray with other corticosteroids or with other similar antibiotics (e.g., neomycin), since interactions may occur.

Where is more information available?
Ask your veterinarian, consult with one of our pharmacists at 1-800-447-3021, or see the Patient Information Sheet on this medication.