#Antibiotic #Drug

Gentamicin

evan Jan. 21, 2024

Drug Class	Aminoglycoside
Mechanism	Bactericidal
Typical Dose	IV or drops only - 3-7mg/kg in 3 divided doses
Indications	Serious aerobic gram -ve infections Otitis externa (drops)
Contra-indications	Myasthenia gravis Pregnancy (can cross placenta and damage foetal CNVIII)
Side-effects	Nephrotic and ototoxic (CNVIII)
Interactions	Cyclosporin: potentiates nephrotoxic effects Loop diuretics: potentiate nephrotoxic/ototoxic effects
Elimination
Additional Notes	Narrow therapeutic index makes drug monitoring essential: Peak 5-10mg/L, trough <2mg/L. In endocarditis: peak 3-5mg/L, trough <1mg/L Not usually given for >10 days due to toxicity risk. Usually combined with penicillin +/- metronidazole in serious infection. Can cause grey baby syndrome in neonates