gentamicin injection (Garamycin): Uses, Side Effects & Dosage (original) (raw)
- Uses
- Side Effects
- Dosage
- Drug Interactions
- Precautions & Warnings
- Things to Know
- Comments
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Brand Name: Garamycin
Generic Name: gentamicin injection
Drug Class: Aminoglycoside Antibiotics
What is gentamicin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
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 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.
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
What are the side effects of gentamicin?
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.
What is the dosage for gentamicin?
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.
SLIDESHOW Bacterial Infections 101: Types, Symptoms, and Treatments See Slideshow
Which drugs or supplements interact with gentamicin?
Gentamicin may decrease the effectiveness of the BCG and typhoid vaccines.
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:
Neuromuscular blocking agents may increase the risk of experiencing breathing problems by depressing the activity of respiratory muscles when given gentamicin.
Loop diuretics such as furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex), and torsemide (Demadex) may increase the ototoxicity (hearing impairment) associated with gentamicin treatment.
Is gentamicin safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
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, 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.
What else should I know about gentamicin?
What preparations of gentamicin are available?
Gentamicin sulfate solution for injection: 10, 40 mg/ml
How should I keep gentamicin stored?
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.
Health News
Summary
Gentamicin injection (Garamycin) is an antibiotic prescribed to treat bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, bone, skin and soft tissue, stomach, blood, and heart. Side effects, drug interactions, patient safety, dosage, and storage information should be reviewed before taking this medication.
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Related Disease Conditions
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Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) An upper respiratory infection is a contagious infection of the structures of the upper respiratory tract, which includes the sinuses, nasal passages, pharynx, and larynx. Common causes of an upper respiratory infection include bacteria and viruses such as rhinoviruses, group A streptococci, influenza, respiratory syncytial, whooping cough, diphtheria, and Epstein-Barr. Examples of symptoms of upper respiratory infection include sneezing, sore throat, cough, fever, and nasal congestion. Treatment of upper respiratory infections are based upon the cause. Generally, viral infections are treated symptomatically with over-the-counter (OTC) medication and home remedies. -
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the bladder, kidneys, ureters, or urethra. E. coli, a type of bacteria that lives in the bowel and near the anus, causes most UTIs. UTI symptoms include pain, abdominal pain, mild fever, urinary urgency, and frequency. Treatment involves a course of antibiotics. -
Plague (Black Death) Plague is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis. Transmission to humans occurs via fleas that have bitten infected rodents. There are three forms of plague that infect humans: bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic. Antibiotics are the standard treatment for plague. -
Endocarditis Endocarditis is a serious bacterial infection of one of the four heart valves. Endocarditis symptoms include fever, fatigue, weakness, chills, aching muscles and joints, night sweats, edema in the legs, feet, or abdomen, malaise, shortness of breath, and small skin lesions. Treatment for endocarditis usually involves antibiotics. -
Aortic Stenosis Aortic stenosis is an abnormal narrowing of the aortic valve in the heart. Symptoms include chest pain, fatigue, fainting, and shortness of breath and may be mild to severe. Read about the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition. -
Brucellosis The bacteria Brucella causes brucellosis, an infectious zoonotic disease in humans. Symptoms include fatigue, fever, sweating, and appetite loss. The preferred treatment is doxycycline and rifampin taken for 6 to 8 weeks. -
Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infection is the most common type of infection acquired by patients while hospitalized. VRE are enterococci that have become resistant to the antibiotic vancomycin. There are only a few antibiotics that are able to treat VRE infections. However, newer antibiotics are being developed.
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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.
References
Medically reviewed by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP; Board Certified Emergency Medicine
REFERENCE:
FDA Prescribing Information.