gentamicin injection

Gentamicin is a broad-spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic that is most effective against aerobic gram-negative rods. It is also used in combination with other antibiotics to treat infections caused by gram-positive organisms such asStaphylococcus aureusand certain species of streptococci.

Additionally, gentamicin is used in combination with apenicillinantibiotic to treatendocarditis(infection of theheart). 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.

What brand names are available for gentamicin?

Gentamicin Injection, Garamycin

Is gentamicin available as a generic drug?

Yes

Do I need a prescription for gentamicin?

Yes

Side effects associated with gentamicin use are:

• 水肿,
• high orlow blood pressure,
• kidney problems,
• headache,
• liverproblems,
• 注射部位反应,
• hair loss,
• itching,
• seizures,
• dizziness,
• depression,
• confusion,
• electrolyteabnormalities,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• increased salivation,
• visual problems,
• hearing impairment,
• breathingproblems,
• fever,
• joint pain,
• anemia,
• decrease white blood cell count,
• decrease platelets,
• allergicreactions, and
• others.

The dose of gentamicin is usually based on body weight. The 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 typhoidvaccines.

Cephalosporins, amphotericin B (Amphocin), cisplatin (Platinol), colistimethate,cyclosporine(Sandimmune), loop diuretics,mannitol(Osmitrol), andvancomycin(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(Motrinand 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 gentamicin.

Loop diuretics such asfurosemide(Lasix),bumetanide(Bumex), andtorsemide(Demadex) may increase the ototoxicity (hearingimpairment) associated with gentamicin treatment.

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

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

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