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Topical otic antibiotic + corticosteroid

Gentamicin with hydrocortisone

Brand names: Gentisone HC

Used in: Acute Appendicitis

A compound topical preparation combining the aminoglycoside antibiotic gentamicin with the corticosteroid hydrocortisone, used for infected inflammatory ear (and eye) conditions such as otitis externa.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

Gentamicin is a bactericidal aminoglycoside active against common Gram-negative and other ear pathogens, while hydrocortisone provides local anti-inflammatory corticosteroid effect to reduce swelling and irritation.

Prescribing in practice

  • Avoid instilling into the ear when the tympanic membrane is perforated because topical gentamicin can cause ototoxicity if it reaches the middle ear.
  • Aminoglycosides can cause local hypersensitivity, so discontinue if signs of sensitisation appear.
  • Limit to short courses and reassess if there is no improvement, to reduce resistance and fungal superinfection.

Monitoring

Monitor for symptom resolution and for any new hearing disturbance or local hypersensitivity reaction during treatment.

Counselling the patient

  • Use only in the affected ear and complete the short course as directed.
  • Stop and seek advice if you develop dizziness, hearing changes, tinnitus or a rash.
  • Tell the clinician if you think your eardrum is perforated.

Evidence & guidelines

Topical aminoglycoside-corticosteroid combinations are established for infected otitis externa, with perforation a key contraindication per UK prescribing references.

Reference: Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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