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Blephamide vs. Gentamicin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Blephamide (sulfacetamide/prednisolone) and Gentak (gentamicin) are both prescription eye medications used to treat bacterial eye infections, but they have some key differences. Blephamide is a combination of an antibiotic (sulfacetamide) and a corticosteroid (prednisolone), which means it not only fights bacteria but also reduces inflammation and pain. In contrast, Gentak contains only gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, and does not have anti-inflammatory properties. Blephamide is available as an eye drop, while Gentak comes as an eye ointment and eye drops. Blephamide needs to be used multiple times a day, including at night, whereas Gentak's ointment form requires fewer doses per day. Additionally, Blephamide can cause high eye pressure and eye injury if used for a long time, which are not expected with Gentak. Both medications can lead to new infections if used for too long, but Blephamide also carries a risk of allergic reactions in people with sulfa allergies.

sulfacetamide / prednisolone

 

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Gentamicin

 

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Summary for Blephamide

Prescription only

Sulfacetamide / prednisolone is a combination eye drop used in adults and children ages 6 years and older to treat inflammatory eye conditions, including certain eye infections. Sulfacetamide is a sulfa antibiotic that kills bacteria and prednisolone is a corticosteroid that treats eye inflammation (e.g., redness, swelling, itching). The dosage is typically two drops in the affected eye(s) every 4 hours. This medication is only available as a lower-cost generic as the brand name Blephamide has been discontinued. Side effects include eye irritation and allergic reactions.

Indications for Blephamide

  • Eye inflammation caused by a bacterial infection
  • Eye inflammation with a risk of bacterial infection

Pros and Cons for Blephamide

Pros

  • Useful for treating eye inflammation and a bacterial eye infection at the same time
  • Conveniently combines two medications into a single eye drop product
  • Applied directly to the eyes, which should have fewer side effects than medications taken by mouth

Cons

  • Needs to be taken every 4 hours, including at night
  • Might be difficult for some people to use properly
  • Might not be the best choice for people who are allergic to sulfa medications

Common Side Effects for Blephamide

  • Eye irritation

Warnings for Blephamide

  • Eye problems
  • Possible eye injury or damage
  • Allergic reaction

Summary for Gentamicin

Prescription only

Gentamicin is a topical antibiotic that treats bacterial skin infections, such as impetigo. It comes as a cream that's useful for wet, oozing, or greasy skin infections. There's also a topical ointment for infections on dry skin. Both forms are applied on the skin 3 to 4 times a day. Gentamicin can be used on adults and children over 1 year of age. Most people don't have many side effects when used as directed. But it's possible to have mild skin irritation, like redness and itching.

Indications for Gentamicin

  • Impetigo
  • Other bacterial skin infections

Pros and Cons for Gentamicin

Pros

  • Treats various bacterial skin infections, including severe acne or impetigo
  • Very few side effects, so it's safe for most people if used as directed
  • Might be a good option for people who are sensitive to Neosporin

Cons

  • Applied many times a day
  • Can cause temporary skin irritation
  • Need a prescription from a healthcare professional

Common Side Effects for Gentamicin

  • Side effects aren't common. See "Other Side Effects."

Warnings for Gentamicin

  • Risk of other skin infections
  • Allergic reaction

Prices with our coupons for Blephamide vs. Gentamicin

Price Card Drug Icon
Sulfacetamide/Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate1 eye dropper / 5ml of 10%/0.23%
$15.00$24.03
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Gentamicin2 tubes / 15g of 0.1%
$31.50$99.97
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