Concerns About Medication Side Effects for Styes and Allergies - Ophthalmology

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Chalazion, concerned about medication side effects?


Hello Doctor: I visited an ophthalmologist due to discomfort in my eyes.
The doctor diagnosed me with a stye and eye allergies, and prescribed "Tobramycin," "Olopatadine," and "Gentamicin ointment." Since I have never used "Gentamicin" before, I looked it up while waiting for 10 minutes after applying the first two eye drops, and I found that "Gentamicin" has ototoxic and nephrotoxic side effects.
Given that part of my work heavily relies on my hearing and I just visited a nephrologist two days ago, I have concerns about using "Gentamicin." If the stye improves, can I just use "Tobramycin" and "Olopatadine" without using "Gentamicin"? Or can I purchase "Bacitracin" ointment over the counter to replace "Gentamicin"? Previously, when I had recurrent inflammation of the meibomian glands, the doctors prescribed "Tobramycin" and "Bacitracin" ointment.
Thank you, Doctor!

Xiao Li, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/10/25

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology


Hello: Medication should be determined based on the specific condition, and it is best to consult the attending physician.
Wishing you peace and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Tsai Wen-Yuan, Director of the Department of Ophthalmology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2018/10/25

More Info


When it comes to managing styes and allergies, it’s understandable to have concerns about the medications prescribed, especially if you have a history of kidney issues and rely heavily on your hearing. The medications you mentioned—“滴朗” (likely referring to a topical antibiotic), “安敏易” (an antihistamine), and “漸得明” (which may be a brand name for a medication with potential ototoxic and nephrotoxic effects)—each have their own profiles of benefits and risks.

Firstly, regarding the use of “漸得明,” it’s crucial to understand that while it may be effective for treating your condition, its potential side effects, particularly concerning kidney and ear health, warrant caution. If you have recently consulted a nephrologist and have concerns about your kidney function, it would be wise to discuss these concerns with your prescribing physician. They can provide insight into whether the benefits of using “漸得明” outweigh the risks in your specific case.

If you notice that the stye is improving with just the use of “滴朗” and “安敏易,” it may be reasonable to consider discontinuing “漸得明,” but this should be done under the guidance of your healthcare provider. Self-managing your medications can lead to unintended consequences, especially if you are dealing with multiple health issues.

As for substituting “漸得明” with “溫拿可通” (which is likely a topical ointment used for similar conditions), it’s essential to consult with your doctor or pharmacist before making this switch. While “溫拿可通” may have been effective in the past for your eyelid issues, the specific formulation and active ingredients may differ from “漸得明,” and thus may not provide the same therapeutic effect. Additionally, the interaction between these medications and your current treatments should be evaluated to avoid any adverse effects.

In summary, while it’s understandable to want to avoid medications that may pose risks to your kidney and hearing health, any changes to your medication regimen should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider. They can help you weigh the risks and benefits, monitor your condition, and ensure that you are receiving the most appropriate treatment for your styes and allergies. Always prioritize open communication with your healthcare team regarding any concerns you have about your medications, especially when managing multiple health conditions.

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