Common side effects of gentamicin include:

• Neurotoxicity (spinning sensation [vertigo], loss of control of bodily movements)
• Gait instability.
• Ototoxicity (auditory, vestibular)
• Kidney damage (decreased CrCl)
• Kidney damage if trough greater than 2 mg/L.
• Swelling (edema)
• Rash.
• Itching.

More items•Aug 17, 2021

Gentamicin side effects in elderly

• Gentamicin SULFATE Vial. WARNINGS: This medication can cause serious kidney problems and nerve damage, resulting in permanent hearing loss (including deafness or decreased hearing) and balance problems. The risk is increased if you are older, already have kidney disease, or if you have a severe loss of body water (dehydration).

What are the adverse effects of gentamicin?

Gentamicin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: nausea. vomiting. diarrhea. decreased appetite. pain at the injection site. headache . fever. joint pain .

Is gentamicin a strong antibiotic?

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.

How long does gentamicin stay in your system?

Gentamicin is not metabolized in the body but is excreted unchanged in microbiologically active form predominantly via the kidneys. In patients with normal renal function the elimination halflife is about 2 to 3 hours.

What are two serious side effects of gentamicin and tobramycin?

Let your child’s doctor or nurse know as soon as possible if your child has any of these side effects: loss of hearing. ringing or buzzing in the ears. feeling of fullness of the ears. increased thirst . needing to urinate more or less frequently than usual. skin rash or itchiness . unusual drowsiness , dizziness , or weakness .

What are two potentially serious adverse effects of gentamicin?

Serious side effects of gentamicin include: Ringing or roaring sounds in the ear. Hearing loss. Dizziness . Less common side effects of gentamicin include: Drowsiness. Headache. Pseudomotor cerebri. Photosensitivity. Allergic reaction . Skin redness. Loss of appetite. Nausea/vomiting.

What bacteria does gentamicin kill?

Medical uses. Gentamicin is active against a wide range of bacterial infections, mostly Gram-negative bacteria including Pseudomonas , Proteus , Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae , Enterobacter aerogenes, Serratia , and the Gram-positive Staphylococcus .

Is gentamicin hard on the kidneys?

Gentamicin can harm your kidneys , and may also cause nerve damage or hearing loss, especially if you have kidney disease or use certain other medicines.

What does gentamicin do to bacteria?

Gentamicin is the most commonly used aminoglycoside antibiotic and is indicated for moderate-to-severe bacterial infections caused by sensitive agents, primarily gram negative bacteria . Like other aminoglycosides, gentamicin is thought to act by binding to bacterial ribosomes and inhibiting protein synthesis.

What is gentamicin prescribed for?

Gentamicin injection is used to treat serious bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. Gentamicin belongs to the class of medicines known as aminoglycoside antibiotics . It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth.

What is a sign of gentamicin toxicity?

Ototoxicity (damage to the ear, such as hearing loss, vertigo or ringing in the ears (tinnitus) Balance problems. Problems with memory, concentration and fatigue. Oscillopsia (bouncing vision)

What drugs interact with gentamicin?

Some affected drugs include: amikacin, tobramycin, amphotericin B , cidofovir, cisplatin , polymyxin B, cephalosporins such as cephaloridine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, among others.

Does gentamicin make you tired?

fever, blisters or ulcers in your mouth, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing; kidney problems–little or no urinating; painful or difficult urination; swelling in your feet or ankles; feeling tired or short of breath; signs of an electrolyte imbalance–confusion, weakness, bone pain, increased urination; or.

Can gentamicin cause blindness?

A contaminated dropper or tube tip can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems. Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication.

How effective is gentamicin?

Cure rates of 62% to 98% were reported with gentamicin treatment. The relative risk of cure was comparable between gentamicin and comparator antibiotics .

Why is gentamicin not given orally?

Aminoglycosides such as gentamicin cannot be administered orally for treatment of systemic infection because they are not absorbed from the intact gastrointestinal tract [294]. Analysis of peak and trough concentrations reveal significant interpatient variability within and between studies.