GENTAMICIN
Potent antibiotic having a broader spectrum of action against Ps.aeruginosa and most strains of Proteus, E.coli, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Serratia.Valuable in critically ill patients, with impaired host defence. Pseudomonas or Proteus infections; burns, urinary tract infections, lung abscesses, Osteomyelitis, middle ear infection, septi- caemia, Meningitis caused by gram negative bacilli.
3-5 mg/kg body wt. i.m or i.v daily in 3 divided doses for 7 to 10 days.
Uraemia, severe renal function impairment; pregnancy; neonates (except in life threatening situations)
Dose of gentamicin must be precisely calculated according to body wt and level of renal function. Paediatrics: Reduced dose necessary. Elderly: Reduced dose may be necessary due to adverse effects.
Irreversible ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity, headache, rashes, thrombocytopenia and joint pain.
Increased incidence of ototoxicity when combined with ethacrynic acid, risk of loss of hearing/kidney failure. cephalosporins, hydrocortisone & indomethacin potentiate nephro-toxicity, potentiates neuromuscular blocking agents.
