Gentamicin Injection

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Gentamicin (Garamycin) Injection

Category:

Antibiotic

Description:

Aminoglycoside antibiotic

Indications:

Serious infections (P. aeruginosa, Proteus species, E. coli, Klebsiella species, Enterobacter species, Serratia species, Citrobacter species, Staphylococcus species)
Bacterial neonatal sepsis
Bacterial septicemia
Serious bacterial infections of the CNS (meningitis)
Urinary tract, respiratory tract, skin, bone and soft tissue (including burns) infections
Gram-negative infections
Emperic therapy for unknown serious infections

Contraindications:

Generally not indicated for long-term therapy due to nephrotoxocity and ototoxicity

Precautions:

Pregnancy category D
May cause nephrotoxicity, therefore closely monitor renal function, especially in elderly patients.
May cause ototoxicity, therefore monitor hearing
Monitor peak and trough serum concentrations
In patients with extensive burns, altered pharmacokinetics may alter serum concentrations.
May produce hypomagnesemia, especially if poor or restricted diet.
Aminoglycosides have neuromuscular blockade activity with a curare-like effect. Monitor patient’s neuromuscular function, especially in patients with myasthenia gravis, parkinsonism or infant botulism.

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

Central and peripheral nervous system reactions:
- Headache
- Depression
- Confusion
- Lethargy
- Muscle twitching
- Peripheral neuropathy
Gastrointestinal: vomiting, nausea, anorexia, hypersalivation
Hematologic: changes in reticulocyte counts, anemia, altered WBC counts
Hypersensitivity: rash, urticaria, itching
Special senses: dizziness, tinnitis, vertigo
Renal: oliguria, proteinuria, increased creatinine and BUN
Miscellaneous: apnea, alopecia, joint pain
Pain at injection site
Decreased calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium levels

Dosage:

Administered by IM or IV injection
Therapy duration is generally 7-10 days

Adults: normal renal function: 3mg/kg/day IV or IM in 3 equal doses every 8 hours
Weight (pounds)	Weight (kg)	Q8 hour Dose (Moderate Infections)
132	60	60 mg IM/IV
154	70	70 mg IM/IV
176	80	80 mg IM/IV
198	90	90 mg IM/IV

Serious infections: 5mg/kg/day divided into 3-4 equal doses
Weight (pounds)	Weight (kg)	Q8 hour Dose (Serious Infections)
132	60	100 mg IM/IV
154	70	117 mg IM/IV
176	80	133 mg IM/IV
198	90	150 mg IM/IV

obese patients:
- base dose on lean body mass
Children:
- 6-7.5mg/kg/day (2-2.5mg/kg q8h)
Infants and neonates
- 7.5mg/kg/day (2.5mg/kg q8h)
Premature or full term neonates (< 1 week of age):
- 5mg/kg/day (2.5mgkg q12h)

The information contained here is an abbreviated summary. For more detailed and complete information, consult the manufacturer's product information sheets or standard textbooks

Source: Operational Medicine 2001, Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300

This information is provided by The Brookside Associates. The Brookside Associates, LLC. is a private organization, not affiliated with any governmental agency. The opinions presented here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Brookside Associates or the Department of Defense. The presence of any advertising on these pages does not constitute an endorsement of that product or service by either the US Department of Defense or the Brookside Associates. All material presented here is unclassified.

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