The FDA and CDC officials announced that they have received reports of adverse events associated with the use of gentamicin ophthalmic ointment (0.3%) for prophylaxis against ophthalmia neonatorum or neonatal conjunctivitis. The product is marketed by Lake Forest, Ill.-based Akorn Inc as Gentak. The cases, which occurred in multiple locales and included product from several lots, have involved eyelid swelling and dermatitis that appears a few days after ointment application. Most cases have been mild and have not required additional treatment, but more severe cases have been associated with blistering of the skin.