Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic available as an injectable solution in 10 mg/ml and 40 mg/ml strengths. It is dosed based on weight and administered intravenously or intramuscularly for susceptible infections. Common side effects include neurotoxicity, ototoxicity, and kidney damage. Gentamicin should only be used to treat proven or suspected bacterial infections to prevent development of resistance. Nurses should counsel patients on proper administration and completion of the full course of therapy.
Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic available as an injectable solution in 10 mg/ml and 40 mg/ml strengths. It is dosed based on weight and administered intravenously or intramuscularly for susceptible infections. Common side effects include neurotoxicity, ototoxicity, and kidney damage. Gentamicin should only be used to treat proven or suspected bacterial infections to prevent development of resistance. Nurses should counsel patients on proper administration and completion of the full course of therapy.
Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic available as an injectable solution in 10 mg/ml and 40 mg/ml strengths. It is dosed based on weight and administered intravenously or intramuscularly for susceptible infections. Common side effects include neurotoxicity, ototoxicity, and kidney damage. Gentamicin should only be used to treat proven or suspected bacterial infections to prevent development of resistance. Nurses should counsel patients on proper administration and completion of the full course of therapy.
Dosage: Adult and Pediatric Dosage Forms and Strengths Injectable solution 10 mg/ml 40 mg/ml Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: Susceptible Infections Adult Conventional dosing 3-5 mg/kg/day intravenously/intramuscularly (IV/IM) divided every 8 hours Extended dosing interval (every 24 hours or more) Initial: 4-7 mg/kg/dose IV once/day Base dose on lean body weight Subsequent doses: Consult pharmacist Pediatric Children 5 years and older: 2-2.5 mg/kg/dose intravenously/intramuscularly (IV/IM) every 8 hours Children under 5 years: 2.5 mg/kg/dose IV/IM every 8 hours Infants under 30 weeks' gestation 0-28 days: 2.5 mg/kg/day IV/IM More than 28 days: 3 mg/kg/day IV/IM Infants 30-36 weeks' gestation 0-14 days: 3 mg/kg/day IV/IM More than 14 days: 5 mg/kg/day IV/IM divided every 12 hours Infants over 36 weeks' gestation 0-7 days: 5 mg/kg/day IV/IM divided every 12 hours More than 7 days: 7.5 mg/kg/day IV/IM divided every 8 hours MECHANISM OF ACTION Following parenteral administration, gentamicin (gentamicin injection pediatric) can be detected in serum, lymph, tissues, sputum, andinpleural, synovial, and peritoneal fluids. Concentrations in renal cortex sometimes may be eight times higher than the usual serum levels. Concentrations in bile, in general, have been low and have suggested minimal biliary excretion. Gentamicin (gentamicin injection pediatric) crosses the peritoneal as well as the placental membranes.Since aminoglycosides diffuse poorly into the subarachnoid space after parenteral administration, concentrations of gentamicin (gentamicin injection pediatric) in cerebrospinal fluid are often low and dependent upon dose, rate of penetration, and degree of meningeal inflammation.There is minimal penetration of gentamicin (gentamicin injection pediatric) into ocular tissues following intramuscular or intravenous administration. INDICATIONS To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Gentamicin Injection, USP (gentamicin injection pediatric) and other antibacterial drugs, Gentamicin Injection, USP (gentamicin injection pediatric) should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria. CONTRAINDICATIONS Hypersensitivity to gentamicin (gentamicin injection pediatric) is a contraindication to its use. A history of hypersensitivity or serious toxic reactions to other aminoglycosides may contraindicate use of gentamicin (gentamicin injection pediatric) because of the known cross-sensitivity of patients to drugs in this class. ADVERSE EFFECTS 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 Stomach upset Injection site reactions (pain, irritation, and redness) Less common side effects of gentamicin include: Drowsiness Headache Pseudomotor cerebri Photosensitivity Allergic reaction Skin redness Loss of appetite Nausea/vomiting Weight loss Increased salivation Enterocolitis Granulocytopenia Agranulocytosis Low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) Elevated liver function tests (LFTs) Burning Stinging Tremors Muscle cramps Weakness Shortness of breath Serious side effects of gentamicin include: Ringing or roaring sounds in the ear Hearing loss Dizziness An unusual decrease in the amount of urine while using gentamicin injection (pediatric) NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including Gentamicin (gentamicin injection pediatric) Injection should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When Gentamicin (gentamicin injection pediatric) Injection is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by Gentamicin (gentamicin injection pediatric) Injection or other antibacterial drugs in the future.