An aminoglycoside - It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections
FDA Alerts
Patients should be under close clinical observation because of potential ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity.
Neurotoxicity (manifested as both auditory and vestibular ototoxicity) can occur, usually in patients with preexisting renal damage and in those with normal renal function who receive doses higher or treatment longer than recommended. Aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity usually is irreversible. Other neurotoxicity manifestations include numbness, skin tingling, muscle twitching, and seizures.
Potentially nephrotoxic. Risk of nephrotoxicity is greater in patients with impaired renal function and in those who receive high dosage or prolonged treatment.
Monitor renal and eighth-cranial nerve function closely, especially in patients with known or suspected renal impairment at start of treatment and also in those whose renal function is initially normal but develop renal dysfunction during treatment. Evaluate urine for decreased specific gravity and increased excretion of protein, cells, and casts; periodically determine BUN, Scr, and Clcr.
Serial audiograms should be obtained, if feasible, in patients old enough to be tested, particularly in high-risk patients. Discontinue or adjust dosage if there is evidence of ototoxicity (dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus, roaring in the ears, hearing loss) or nephrotoxicity. Rarely, changes in eighth-cranial nerve and renal function may not manifest until after the drug is discontinued.
Monitor serum gentamicin concentrations, when feasible, to assure adequate concentrations and avoid potentially toxic and prolonged peak concentrations (>12 mcg/mL) and avoid trough concentrations >2 mcg/mL. Excessive peak and/or trough serum concentrations may increase risk of renal and eighth-cranial nerve toxicity. In the event of overdose or toxic reactions, hemodialysis may aid in removal of gentamicin, especially if renal function is, or becomes, compromised. Lower concentrations are removed by peritoneal dialysis compared with hemodialysis.
Avoid concurrent and/or sequential use of other neurotoxic or nephrotoxic drugs (systemic or topical), particularly other aminoglycosides, cephaloridine (no longer available in US), viomycin, polymyxin B, colistin, cisplatin, and vancomycin. Other factors that may increase risk of toxicity are advanced age and dehydration.
Avoid concurrent use of potent diuretics (e.g., ethacrynic acid, furosemide) since diuretics themselves may cause ototoxicity and may enhance toxicity by altering serum and tissue aminoglycoside concentrations.
Aminoglycosides can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman.
This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.
It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.
Tell your doctor or health care professional if you have any hearing problems or problems passing urine.
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