Gentamicin is a broad spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic that is most effective against aerobic gram-negative rods. Gentamicin is also used in combination with other antibiotics to treat infections caused by gram positive organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and certain species of streptococci. Additionally, gentamicin is used in combination with a penicillin antibiotic to treat endocarditis (infection of the heart). Gentamicin kills bacteria (bactericidal) by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial proteins. Gentamicin irreversibly binds to the 30S ribosomal subunits. This binding interferes with the formation of messenger RNA (mRNA) and the subsequent formation of nonfunctional proteins and the eventual death of susceptible bacteria. Gentamicin was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1966.

Gentamicin Injection, Garamycin

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

Yes

Side effects associated with gentamicin use are:

• edema,
• high or low blood pressure,
• kidney problems,
• headache,
• liver problems,
• injection site reactions,
• hair loss,
• itching,
• seizures,
• dizziness,
• depression,
• confusion,
• electrolyte abnormalities,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• increased salivation,
• visual problems,
• hearing impairment,
• breathing problems,
• fever,
• joint pain,
• anemia,
• decrease white blood cell count,
• decrease platelets,
• allergic reactions, and
• others.

The dose of gentamicin is usually based on body weight. Total daily dose and duration of treatment depend on the condition or infection being treated. Dose adjustment is necessary for patients who have impaired kidney function. Doses are adjusted to target peak and trough levels.

• Usual dosage ranges for IM or IV:
• Conventional dosing: Administer 1 to 2.5 mg/kg/dose every 8-12 hours.
• Once daily dosing: Administer 4 to 7 mg/kg/day.

Gentamicin may decrease the effectiveness of the BCG and typhoid vaccine.

Cephalosporins, amphotericin B (Amphocin), cisplatin (Platinol), colistimethate, cyclosporine (Sandimmune), loop diuretics, mannitol (Osmitrol), and vancomycin (Vancocin) may increase the risk of experiencing kidney related side effects of gentamicin.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) may decrease the kidney excretion or clearance of gentamicin. Examples of NSAIDs are:

• ibuprofen (Motrin and others),
• indomethacin (Indocin), and
• naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve, and others).

Neuromuscular blocking agents may increase the risk of experiencing breathing problems by depressing the activity of respiratory muscles when given with gentamicin.

Loop diuretics such as furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex), and torsemide (Demadex) may increase the ototoxicity (hearing impairment) associated with gentamicin treatment.

Gentamicin is excreted into human milk. Due to the lack of safety data, gentamicin should be used cautiously in nursing mothers. The benefits of breastfeeding, potential risk of infant drug exposure, and risk of inadequately or untreated infection should all be considered when deciding if gentamicin should be used in females who are breastfeeding.

What preparations of gentamicin-injection are available?

Gentamicin sulfate solution for injection: 10, 40 mg/ml

How should I keep gentamicin-injection stored?

Gentamicin is usually given as an injection at the hospital, clinic, or doctor's office. Patient's using gentamicin solution at home should check with their healthcare provider on details regarding the proper storage of their medication.