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Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic. It has a bactericidal effect. It works by blocking the synthesis of bacterial proteins. The drug has an effect on numerous bacteria, such as: enterobacteria (Enterobacteriaceae), Campylobacter, Brucella, Pasteurella, Francisella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter, Staphylococcus. Gentamicin is indicated, inter alia, in in infections of internal organs, bones, soft tissues, as well as in ophthalmology. It does not work with rickettsiae, viruses, and fungi.
Gentamicin – indications
The antibiotic is indicated in:
- urinary tract infections
- respiratory tract infections,
- sepsis,
- endocarditis,
- peritonitis,
- infection of bones, skin, soft tissues,
- conjunctivitis
- inflammation of the eyelids,
- prophylaxis before procedures on the eyeball,
- prophylaxis in surgery (in the perioperative period).
Contraindications to the use of the drug Gentamicin
The antibiotic cannot be used by peoplewho are hypersensitive to the active substance or any other component of the drug, as well as people with hearing impairment, renal failure, Parkinson’s disease, patients with myasthenia gravis. Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking at the same time, even those obtained without a prescription.
Gentamicin – side effects
The drug may have some side effects. These include: muscle pain and weakness, hematological disorders, gastrointestinal complaints (vomiting, nausea, diarrhea), hypokalemia, hypomagnesaemia, proteinuria, hematuria, oliguria, increased levels of urea and creatinine in the blood, dizziness, tinnitus, damage labyrinthine hearing loss (rare).
Gentamicin – injections
The active substance of the drug is gentamicin in the form of sulfate and the 2 ml ampoule contains 20 mg, 40 mg or 80 mg gentamicin. The indications for the use of the drug in injections are diseases such as: biliary tract infection, bone and joint infection, pneumonia (caused by gram-negative bacteria), sepsis caused by gram-negative bacteria, recurrent urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, inflammation peritoneum, central nervous system infections.
Contraindication to use Gentamicin is hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. It should also not be used in patients with myasthenia gravis. In the case of long-term treatment or treatment with high doses of the drug, the doctor should order the concentration of gentamicin in the blood, hearing tests, tests of creatinine and urea nitrogen levels – due to the ototoxic and nephrotoxic effect of the preparation on the body. Gentamicin when used simultaneously with other aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, cyclosporin or vancomycin, it may increase the risk of kidney damage. When used simultaneously with furosemide, pyretanide and other ototoxic drugs, it increases the risk of hearing damage.
Gentamicin – eye drops
Gentamicin drops – indications for use
- acute and chronic bacterial conjunctivitis, eyelid margins, lacrimal sac,
- inflammation and ulceration of the cornea (caused by bacteria sensitive to gentamicin),
- before and after surgery on the eyeball.
Contraindications to the use of the drug Gentamicin in drops:
- hypersensitivity to any component of the antibiotic,
- hypersensitivity to aminoglycoside antibiotics.
The antibiotic should not be used for too long as resistant bacteria may develop gentamicin or fungal growth. Gentamicin in drops can be used in children over 1 year of age
Side effects: tearing, pain, redness of the eye, photophobia – may occur for a few minutes after instillation. Long-term use may lead to allergic reactions or ulceration of the cornea.