Gramidin Ointment is an effective topical medicated preparation used to treat skin infections caused by certain types of bacteria sensitive to aminoglycoside antibiotics. This ointment contains the active ingredient gentamicin at a concentration of 0.3% w/w. Gentamicin is a powerful, broad-spectrum antibiotic that is effective against many gram-negative bacteria and some gram-positive bacteria that are often responsible for skin infections. Gramidin Ointment provides direct treatment to the site of infection, helping to eliminate the bacteria causing the infection and speeding up the healing process by reducing the redness, swelling, and pain associated with bacterial skin infections.
The active ingredient in Gramidin Ointment
The therapeutic efficacy of Gramidin Ointment is primarily based on the following active ingredient:
Gentamicin: 0.3% w/w. Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic known for its effectiveness against a wide range of aerobic bacteria, particularly Gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas, E. coli, and Klebsiella, and some Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. A 0.3% concentration is considered effective for topical use in the treatment of superficial skin infections.
Mechanism of Action of Gramidin Ointment
Gentamicin works at the level of the bacterial cell itself to eliminate the infection. Its primary mechanism of action is:
Inhibition of bacterial protein synthesis: Gentamicin penetrates the bacterial cell wall and membrane and interacts with the 30S ribosome subunit within the bacterial cell. Ribosomes are the cell's protein factories. Upon binding to the ribosome, gentamicin prevents the reading of the genetic code from messenger RNA (mRNA), thereby inhibiting the synthesis of proteins essential for bacterial survival, growth, and reproduction. Bactericidal Effect: A deficiency in vital proteins leads to dysfunction of the bacterial cell and ultimately to its death. Therefore, gentamicin is considered a bactericidal antibiotic, not just a growth inhibitor.
Indications for Use of Gramidin Ointment
Gramidin Ointment is used to treat a variety of primary and secondary bacterial skin infections caused by bacteria sensitive to gentamicin, including:
Bacterial folliculitis: An inflammation of the hair follicles caused by bacteria.
Impetigo: A contagious bacterial skin infection that causes blisters or sores around the mouth and nose.
Cellulitis: A bacterial infection of the deeper layers of the skin and subcutaneous tissue.
Secondary Infected Eczema: In cases of eczema that becomes inflamed due to a bacterial infection.
Minor wound and burn infections: To prevent or treat bacterial infections in superficial wounds and burns.
Secondary infected insect bites: In cases of insect bites that become inflamed and infected with bacteria.
Other bacterial skin infections: Such as boils and abscesses after drainage and cleaning.
The doctor determines the use of Gramidin ointment based on the diagnosis and the type of bacteria causing the infection.