GENTAMICIN

GENERIC NAME Gentamicin

Brand Name Garamycin, Septopal, Cidomycin

Drug Class Aminoglycosides-antibiotic

Dosage Forms Used eye drop 0.3%, injection 20mg in 2ml

Mode of action Inhibit protein synthesis by irreversibly binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit
and causing cell membrane damage.

Indications Empirical treatment for <48 hours of serious Gram-negative infections.

Serious systemic enterococcal infections (with beta-lactams or vancomycin).
Serious infections due to sensitive organisms that is resistant to other
antibacterial. Surgical prophylaxis. P. aeruginosa infections, including cystic
fibrosis, bronchiectasis (inhalation). Brucellosis

Eye infections.

Precautions Renal impairment, ototoxicity, Serious allergic reaction to an aminoglycoside

—contraindicated. Neuromuscular disease (eg myasthenia gravis)—
aminoglycosides increase risk of muscle weakness and respiratory
depression. Hypocalcaemia, hypomagnesaemia, general anaesthesia, large
transfusions of citrated blood—increase risk of neuromuscular adverse
effects.

Side effects Nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, respiratory depression.

Dosage Use the higher dose for young adults and the lower one for the elderly.

CrCl >60 mL/minute, IM/IV 5–7 mg/kg once daily.

CrCl 30–60 mL/minute, IM/IV 4–5 mg/kg once daily.

Eye drop – 1-2 drops into the affected eye after every 4 hours.

Storage Store eye drop and injection at room temperature or below 300C. Store in a
dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep away from children.

How to take , when to Injection: return to clinic at the same times every day until the full course is
take (Drug finished. Wash your hands before use. Clean eyes with warm water or a piece
administration) of clean clothing. Wash hands again before holding the medication. Lie down
or tilt head backwards. Gently pull the lower lid of your eye to form a space.
Do not touch the lid of the medicine when holding the dropper. Administer
the drops. Close your eyes for a few seconds to let the medicine absorb.
Gently massage between your eyes, at the top of your nose to avoid the
medication travelling to the nasal cavity (nose). Wash your hands again.
Discard medication 1 month after use.

Ancillary instruction Finish the course. Can be taken before or after food.

Side effects for This medicine may cause drowsiness, dizziness or blurred vision especially at
counseling. the start of treatment or when the dose is increased; if affected, do not drive
 or operate machinery.

Interaction Avoid alcohol intake. Do not take with medications like magnesium sulfate and
suxamethonium. Interact with disease such as renal dysfunction, ototoxicity
and dehydration.

When to see a Tell your doctor if you’re hearing becomes worse or you are unsteady or dizzy
doctor/come back to (especially when you sit up, stand up or walk).
the pharmacy

31. TETRACYCLINE

GENERIC NAME Tetracycline

Brand Name Sumycin, Achromycin

Drug Class Aminoglycoside-antibiotic

Dosage Forms Used Eye ointment 1%

Mode of action Bacteriostatic; inhibit bacterial protein synthesis by reversibly binding to 30S
subunit of the ribosome.

Indications Superficial ocular infection caused by susceptible organisms

Precautions Photodermatosis—contraindicated.

Side effects Allergic reaction, photo-dermatosis

Dosage Bacterial blepharitis- Adult, child, massage ointment into eyelid margin 2 or 3
times daily.

Bacterial conjunctivitis - Adult, child, use ointment 3 times daily for 1 week.

Trachoma - Adult, child, use ointment 3 times daily for 1 month.

Storage Store ointment at room temperature or below 300C. Store in a dry place away
from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep away from children.

How to take , when to Wash your hands before use. Clean eyes with warm water or a piece of clean
take (Drug clothing. Wash hands again before holding the medication. Tilt head
administration) backwards. Do not touch the lid of the ointment. Press the ointment
medication and administer into the eye. After use, wait for 1-2 minutes for
the medication to absorb. Blink your eyes several times to allow the
medication to spread. This will make your eyes blurry. Wash your hands
again. Discard medication 1 month after use.

Ancillary instruction Finish the course. Can be taken before or after food (1 hour before or 2 hours
after food).

Side effects for Avoid sunlight and always wear protective clothing. Apply sunscreen to avoid
counseling. sun burn.

Interaction Do not take alcohol or limit alcohol consumption. Do not take with drugs like
 atavaquone and colestipol. Avoid dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt
and ice cream. Interact with disease such as renal dysfunction,
hepatotoxicity, colitis, and esophageal irritation.

When to see a If you have allergic reactions like rash, skin sores, itching and swelling then
doctor/come back to stop taking the drug and consult a doctor.
the pharmacy