| name | Gentamicin |
| Classification | Aminoglycoside antibiotic |
| Pharmacokinetics | Gentamicin is primarily renally excreted. Its half-life varies significantly based on renal function. High doses are often required and patients with impaired renal function need careful monitoring and dosage adjustments. It's rapidly distributed to most tissues but has poor CNS penetration. Peak and trough levels are often monitored to ensure therapeutic levels are achieved and toxicity is avoided. Absorption is generally poor following oral administration, so it's given intravenously or intramuscularly. |
| suggested dosage | | adult | | typical dosage | varies widely based on indication and renal function. Consult with a physician for appropriate dosage. | | note | Dosage is determined individually based on creatinine clearance (eGFR) and severity of infection. | | weight based dosage | Not typically used for dosage determination in patients without renal impairment as the main determinants of dosage are renal function parameters |
| | note for patient | Please strictly adhere to the prescribed dosage and duration of therapy as determined by your physician. |
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| indications | | 1 | Serious bacterial infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, endocarditis, septicemia, and others | | 2 | Used in combination with other antibiotics, often for synergistic effects |
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| Safety in pregnancy | Gentamicin should be used in pregnancy only when absolutely necessary and when potential benefits outweigh the potential risks. Gentamicin may cross the placenta and reach the fetus. Consult with a physician for appropriate precautions. |
| Safety in breastfeeding | Gentamicin may be excreted in breast milk. It is generally not recommended during breastfeeding unless the potential benefits for the mother outweigh the potential risks to the infant. Consult with a physician. |
| side effects | | 1 | Nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) | | 2 | Ototoxicity (hearing loss, tinnitus) | | 3 | Neuromuscular blockade (paralysis) | | 4 | Allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching) | | 5 | Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) | | 6 | Local reactions at injection site | | 7 | Hypotension | | 8 | Anaphylaxis |
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| alternatives | |
| contraindications | | 1 | Known allergy to aminoglycosides | | 2 | Severe kidney or liver impairment | | 3 | Myasthenia gravis (a neuromuscular disease) | | 4 | Pre-existing hearing loss |
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| interactions | Gentamicin can interact with numerous other medications, including aminoglycoside antibiotics (such as tobramycin, amikacin), loop diuretics (like furosemide), and some types of muscle relaxants. These interactions can increase the risk of side effects like nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. |
| warnings and precautions | | 1 | Monitor kidney function regularly during therapy | | 2 | Monitor hearing and balance | | 3 | Adjust dosage carefully in patients with renal impairment | | 4 | Avoid use in patients with neuromuscular disorders | | 5 | Use with caution in elderly patients | | 6 | Consider creatinine clearance (eGFR) in dosage adjustments | | 7 | Use with extreme caution in patients with myasthenia gravis |
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| additional informations | Gentamicin is a potent antibiotic, but requires careful monitoring of renal and auditory function due to its potential to cause nephro- and ototoxicity. It's important to weigh potential benefits with potential risks for each patient. |
| patient specific notes | A 25-year-old male weighing 70 kg requires individualized dosage based on creatinine clearance and renal function tests, and should be closely monitored for signs of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. The physician should guide dosage and duration of the treatment. |
| last updated | 2024-10-27 |
