What is Gentacort cream used for?

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to product information from various drug manufacturers, Gentacort is a brand name for topical creams that combine an antibiotic with other active ingredients. This medication is most commonly used for treating inflammatory skin conditions complicated by bacterial infection, but the exact application and effectiveness depend on its specific formulation.

Quick Summary

Gentacort is a brand name for topical creams with different combinations of active ingredients, most notably including the antibiotic gentamicin and a corticosteroid. It is primarily used to treat inflammatory skin conditions, such as dermatitis and psoriasis, when a secondary bacterial infection is present or suspected.

Key Points

Combination Medication: Gentacort is a brand name for topical creams that combine gentamicin (an antibiotic) with other active ingredients, such as corticosteroids and antifungals.
Treats Infected Inflammatory Conditions: Its primary use is to treat skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis when they are complicated by a secondary bacterial infection.
Multiple Active Ingredients: Formulations vary; some contain a corticosteroid (like fluocinolone or betamethasone) to reduce inflammation, while others might also add an antifungal (like clotrimazole) for mixed infections.
Antibacterial Action: The gentamicin component is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that kills susceptible bacteria by inhibiting protein synthesis.
Requires Prescription: Gentacort is not an over-the-counter medication and must be prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Not for All Infections: It is not effective against viral or primary fungal infections. Patients with these conditions should not use Gentacort unless it specifically includes an antifungal agent.
Risk of Overgrowth: Prolonged or improper use of topical antibiotics like gentamicin can lead to the overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi.
Potential for Side Effects: Common side effects include skin irritation, redness, and itching. More serious, albeit rare, effects from corticosteroid absorption can occur with prolonged use.

Understanding the Active Ingredients in Gentacort

To fully understand what Gentacort is used for, it's crucial to examine its various formulations. Unlike generic gentamicin cream, which contains only the antibiotic, Gentacort products are combination medications designed to tackle multiple aspects of a skin condition simultaneously. For instance, some formulations combine an antibiotic with an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid, while others add an antifungal agent to the mix.

Gentamicin: The Antibacterial Component

In all its variations, the central component of Gentacort is gentamicin, a powerful aminoglycoside antibiotic. This ingredient is effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, including common skin pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococci. Gentamicin works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, effectively killing the bacteria and clearing the infection. It is important to note that gentamicin is not effective against viral or fungal infections.

Corticosteroids: Reducing Inflammation and Itching

Many Gentacort formulations also include a corticosteroid, a potent anti-inflammatory agent. This component is responsible for relieving the inflammation, redness, and itching associated with skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. The specific corticosteroid included can vary by product and formulation:

Fluocinolone acetonide: Found in products like Gentacortin, this is a potent corticosteroid that provides a strong anti-inflammatory, anti-exudative, and antipruritic action.
Betamethasone: Used in Gentacort D, betamethasone is another potent steroid that blocks inflammatory chemical messengers, providing relief from itching and swelling.

Antifungal Agents: Combating Fungal Infections

Some specific Gentacort products, like Gentacort-MF and Gentacort-FC, incorporate an antifungal agent to address mixed bacterial and fungal infections.

Clotrimazole: Present in Gentacort-MF, clotrimazole is an antifungal agent that inhibits the growth of fungi by damaging their cell membranes.
Miconazole: Found in Gentacort-FC, miconazole is another antifungal that works similarly to disrupt fungal growth.

Common Uses for Gentacort Cream

The uses for Gentacort are directly tied to its multi-ingredient composition. It is generally prescribed for a range of dermatological conditions where both inflammation and a secondary bacterial infection are present or suspected.

Common indications include:

Impetigo Contagiosa: A highly contagious bacterial skin infection, often treated with topical antibiotics like gentamicin.
Infected Eczematoid Dermatitis: Gentacort's corticosteroid reduces inflammation while the gentamicin clears the bacterial component.
Pustular Psoriasis: In cases where psoriasis becomes secondarily infected, the combination of steroid and antibiotic can be beneficial.
Infected Contact Dermatitis: This includes allergic reactions like poison ivy that have become infected from scratching.
Infected Wounds and Burns: Minor cuts, abrasions, and superficial burns can benefit from the antibacterial action.
Folliculitis: An infection of the hair follicles that can be caused by bacteria.
Pyoderma: A general term for bacterial skin infections, which can be effectively treated with gentamicin.

Contraindications and Precautions

Gentacort should not be used on individuals with known sensitivity to its ingredients. It is also contraindicated for certain skin infections, including viral (herpes, varicella) and primary fungal infections, unless combined with a specific antifungal agent. Prolonged use can increase the risk of overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi, or cause systemic side effects from corticosteroid absorption, especially on large areas or with occlusive dressings.

Comparison of Gentamicin and Gentacort Formulations

Because Gentacort is a brand name for different products, it is important to distinguish its variations from generic gentamicin cream. The table below outlines the key differences in their composition and primary purpose.


Feature	Generic Gentamicin Cream	Gentacort (Various Formulations)
Primary Function	Antibacterial	Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Antifungal (depending on formulation)
Active Ingredients	Gentamicin Sulfate	Gentamicin Sulfate + Corticosteroid (e.g., Fluocinolone, Betamethasone) ± Antifungal (e.g., Clotrimazole, Miconazole)
Core Use Case	Treating primary and secondary bacterial skin infections.	Treating inflammatory skin conditions with secondary bacterial (and potentially fungal) infection.
Effect on Inflammation	Minimal or none; treats the bacterial cause of inflammation.	Directly and actively reduces inflammation and itching due to corticosteroid.
Fungal Coverage	Not effective against fungal infections.	Specific formulations (e.g., Gentacort-MF, Gentacort-FC) include antifungal agents.
Inflammatory Conditions	Addresses bacterial infections associated with conditions like eczema.	Directly addresses inflammation in conditions like eczema and dermatitis.

How to Properly Use Gentacort Cream

Proper application is key to maximizing the effectiveness of Gentacort while minimizing the risk of side effects. The general instructions are as follows:

Clean the Area: Wash and thoroughly dry the affected area before application. If treating impetigo, gently remove any dried crusts to allow the medication to penetrate more effectively.
Apply Sparingly: Apply a small amount of cream in a thin, even layer to the affected skin, typically 3 to 4 times daily, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Rub in Gently: Gently rub the cream into the skin until it disappears.
Avoid Certain Areas: Do not get the medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Wash Hands: Wash your hands immediately after use, unless the cream is being used to treat your hands.
Follow Prescription: Use the medication exactly as directed, and for the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve. Stopping early can lead to the infection returning.

Conclusion

Gentacort is not a single product but a family of branded topical creams that combine the antibiotic gentamicin with other active ingredients like corticosteroids and antifungals, depending on the specific formulation. This combination makes it a potent treatment for inflammatory skin conditions that are complicated by bacterial infection. Common uses include treating conditions such as infected eczema, impetigo, and folliculitis. The choice of Gentacort over generic gentamicin depends on whether the underlying skin condition requires an anti-inflammatory or antifungal component in addition to the antibacterial agent. Patients should always consult a healthcare provider to determine the correct formulation and use, as prolonged use can lead to adverse effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is the active ingredients. While regular gentamicin cream contains only the antibiotic gentamicin, Gentacort products are typically combination creams. They contain gentamicin plus other agents like a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation and sometimes an antifungal to treat mixed infections.

Some specific formulations, such as Gentacort-MF (which includes clotrimazole) and Gentacort-FC (which includes miconazole), are effective against fungal infections. However, generic gentamicin and other Gentacort creams that do not contain an antifungal agent are not effective against fungi.

First, clean and dry the affected area. Apply a thin, even layer of cream gently to the skin, typically 3 to 4 times per day, or as directed by a doctor. Wash your hands before and after application, and avoid contact with your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Yes. Common side effects can include itching and redness at the application site. Prolonged or extensive use, particularly of formulations containing a corticosteroid, can lead to systemic absorption and more serious side effects.

No, Gentacort is not available over-the-counter. It is a prescription-only medication, and a healthcare provider must prescribe it after diagnosing the specific skin condition and confirming the need for a combination treatment.

You should continue to use Gentacort for the full duration prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms start to improve. Stopping treatment early can lead to a resurgence of the infection and potentially result in antibiotic resistance.

The safety and dosage of Gentacort for children depend on the specific formulation and the child's age. For example, some gentamicin creams are approved for children over one year old, but caution is advised due to the risk of systemic absorption of corticosteroids. Always follow a doctor's specific instructions for pediatric use.