Gentamicin

Drug #336

Gentamycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic isolated from Micromonospore purpurea. The aminoglycosides are the compound containing characteristic amino sugars joined to a hexose nucleus in glycoside linkage. Aminoglycosides are polycations and their polarity accounts for their pharmakokinetic properties. Gentamycin is effective against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Gentamicin (Sulphate) is active alone but also exibit synergism with ß lactam antibiotic. Antibiotics require constant drug level in body for therapeutic effect. This is achieved by taking the medication at regular interval of time throughout the day and night as prescribed. Gentamicin (Sulphate) is important to take the drug for the full time period as prescribed. If you discontinue the therapy, it may result in ineffective treatment.

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Primary Characteristics

Gentamicin is also known as Gentamicin (Sulphate), .

It is of Semi Synthetic origin and belongs to Aminoglycoside.

It belongs to Amebicides pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action.

Solubility in Water: 1 in 20 · Solubility in Alcohol: > 1 in 10000 · Non-proprietary name: Gentamicin.

Pharmacokinetics

Distribution: Gentamicin has a volume of distribution is 0.2 l/kg. plasma protein binding is < 25%.

Elimination: plasma half-life is 2.3 hr, renal excretion is 70%.

Indications

Gentamicin is primarily indicated in conditions like Acute diarrhoea, Bacterial infections, Biliary tract infections, Endocarditis, Food allergy, Muscle relaxation (intermediate duration) during intensive care, Muscle relaxation (intermediate duration) for surgery or intubation, Muscle relaxation (long duration) during intensive care, Pneumonia in hospital patients, Septicaemia, Ulcerative colitis and crohn's disease, Urinary tract infection.

Gentamicin is also indicated for secondary conditions like Solid tumor.

Contraindications

Gentamicin is contraindicated in conditions like Renal diseases, Hypersensitivity.

Dosage

Gentamicin's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
120 mg	120 mg	—		For prophylaxis in high risk patients before induction of anaesthesia
160 mg	160 mg	—		For urinary tract infections, if renal function is not impaired.
6 mg	6 mg	—	Intra Thecal	As Required
4 mg/kg	4 mg/kg	—	IV,IM	In 3-4 divided doses for 7-10 days. Doses vary according to indication.
0.3 %	0.3 %	—	Optical
1 mg/kg/d	1 mg/kg/d	Every 6h	Otic	1-2 drops
1 mg/kg/dose	1 mg/kg/dose	Every 8h	PO	For prevention of becterial endocarditis. NOT to exceed 80 mg with ampicillin (1-2g). 30 minutes prior to procedures.
0.1 %	0.1 %	Every 8h	Topical	Or twice a day if needed.
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
0.3 %	0.3 %	Every 6h	Ear	-
2 – 1.5 mg/kg	—	Every 8h	Intra Muscular
2.5 mg/kg	2.5 mg/kg	Every 8h	Intra Venous	-
0.3 %	0.3 %	Every 6h	Opthalmic	-
0.3 %	0.3 %	Every 6h	Topical	-
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
2.5 mg/kg	2.5 mg/kg	Every 8h	Intramuscular
2.5 mg/kg	2.5 mg/kg	Every 8h	Intravenous
0.3 %	0.3 %	Every 6h	Topical

Drug Interactions

Unknown12 interactions

8 interactions

Major7 interactions

Moderate1 interaction

Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Side Effects

Gentamicin in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Encephalopathy , Convulsions , Hallucinations , Nephrotoxicity , Hallucinations , Neuromuscular blockage , Peripheral neuritis , Anaemia .

Gentamicin produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Neuromuscular blockage, Nephrotoxicity, Ototoxicity. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.

Gentamicin is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Angioedema, Azotemia, Cross sensitivity, Cylindruria, dizziness, Eosinophilia, Exfoliative dermatitis, Fever, Local allergies, Ototoxicity , Proteinuria , Purpura, Pyuria, Skin rashes, Vertigo.

Warnings / Precautions

Gentamicin should be used with caution in patients with history of kidney diseases, vertigo, hearing loss, myasthenia gravis, parkinsonisms. It should be used with caution in patients who are sensitive to aminoglycosides. Keep patients well hydrated to prevent chemical irritation or nephrotoxic reactions. Take appropriate measures in case of secondary infections.

Interference in Pathology

Gentamicin may interfere in the diagnosis of Heparinized Blood Samples , Elevation in serum aminotransferases, Elevation in serum bilirubin.

Available Brands

Click on a strength to view available brands.

Single Ingredient

Cream

0.1 %w/w 0.3 %w/w 1 %w/w

Drops

E and E Drops

Ear Drops

Eye Drops

Eye Gel

Eye Oint

Inj

10 mg/ml 20 mg/ml 40 mg/ml 5 mg/ml 50 mg/ml 80 mg 80 mg/ml

Oint

0.1 %

Multi-Ingredient Combinations

Cream

0.001 %w/w 0.1 %w/w 0.12 %w/w 0.3 %w/w 1.7 mg

E and E Drops

Ear Drops

Eye Drops

Eye Oint

Inj

Oint

Storage Conditions

Gentamicin should be stored Inj, Eye Drops, Skin Oint or Cream.

Drug Classification

1.6.2.2.5 — Aminoglycosides
2.13.2.1 — Antibacterials, topical
3.21.1.1 — Antibacterials
4.28 — Otic drugs

Manufacturers

Manufacturers of Gentamicin in Pakistan: