gentamicin-injection (cont.)
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: kidney disease, vertigo, hearing problems, vitamin/mineral (electrolyte) imbalances, myasthenia gravis, Parkinson's disease, any allergies. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of gentamicin. Use cautiously. Gentamicin should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk. The effects on nursing infants are not known at this time. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all the medications you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially: other antibiotics (penicillins and cephalosporins such as cephalexin), diuretics ("water pills") such as furosemide or ethacrynic acid, other aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g., kanamycin, amikacin), anesthetics (e.g., succinylcholine, tubocurarine), any live vaccines, anti-cancer medications. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
NOTES: This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection or give it to someone else. A different medication may be necessary in those cases. Make sure needles, tubing and supplies are stored safely and disposed of properly.
MISSED DOSE: If you should miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
Last Editorial Review: 3/2/2005
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