GENERIC NAME: GENTAMICIN - INJECTION (jen-tuh-MY-sin)
BRAND NAME(S): Garamycin
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
WARNING: This drug has caused kidney problems, nerve damage or permanent hearing loss, even at usual doses. Hearing loss can occur even after the drug is stopped. If you already have kidney problems or hearing difficulty, tell your doctor. Notify your doctor immediately if any of the following occur: ringing in your ears, hearing loss, unusual change in amount of urine, dizziness, numbness, skin tingling, muscle twitching or seizures. This drug may be stopped if you develop kidney or hearing problems. Your doctor will monitor your progress to minimize the possibility of these effects occurring and may run certain tests (e.g., hearing and/or kidney tests). Do not use this medication with other drugs that can cause nerve, kidney or hearing problems. Other factors that increase the risk of these side effects occurring include advanced age or dehydration (unusual thirst).
USES: Gentamicin is an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections.
HOW TO USE: Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by using the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: difficulty hearing, ringing in the ears, dizziness. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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