GENTAMICINE

Main indication,

- With or without ampi in severe secondary infection of skin lesion (Lyell, psoriasis...)

- With ampi for septicemia

- With ampi & metro if septicemia from abdominal or PID origin

Dose

- Adults less than 60 kg ; 3 mg per kg of body weight once a day; or 1.5 mg per kg of body weight every twelve hours.

- Adults 60 kg and over ; 160 mg once a day; or 80 mg every twelve hours.

- adult prescribing limits : Up to 8 mg per kg of body weight daily in severe, life-threatening infections.

- No mixt in seringue

- Inject genta one hour after or before ampi should be better. If same time, decreased concentration of genta in serum

- Dehydration : possible increased risk of toxicity because of elevated serum concentrations; it is recommended that aminoglycosides be administered in a reduced dosage at a fixed interval,

- Renal function impairment : possible increased risk of toxicity because of elevated serum concentrations; it is recommended that aminoglycosides be administered in normal doses at prolonged intervals

- Commercially available gentamicin piggyback injections require no further dilution prior to administration . Since these injections contain no preservatives, they should be used promptly after being opened; unused portions should be discarded.

 

Drug interactions

- streptomycine & other ototoxic & nephrotoxic medications : concurrent or sequential use may increase the ototoxicity or nephrotoxicity; hearing loss may occur and may progress to deafness even after discontinuation of the drug and may be reversible, but usually is permanent & renal function determinations may be required...

 

Possible side/adverse effect

- Nephrotoxicity (greatly increased or decreased frequency of urination or amount of urine; increased thirst; loss of appetite; nausea; vomiting )

- neurotoxicity ( muscle twitching; numbness; seizures; tingling)

- ototoxicity (any loss of hearing; ringing or buzzing, or a feeling of fullness in the ears)

- vestibular toxicity (clumsiness; dizziness; nausea; vomiting; unsteadiness );

- Skin sensitivity (skin itching, redness, rash, or swelling)

 

Contraindications/special attention

- Dehydration : increased risk of toxicity because of elevated serum concentrations; it is recommended that aminoglycosides be administered in a reduced dosage at a fixed interval,

- Renal function impairment : increased risk of toxicity because of elevated serum concentrations; it is recommended that aminoglycosides be administered in normal doses at prolonged intervals

 

Other informations

- Do not use if injection is discolored or contains a precipitate.

- Commercially available gentamicin piggyback injections require no further dilution prior to administration . Since these injections contain no preservatives, they should be used promptly after being opened; unused portions should be discarded.