Antimicrobials
Gentamicin

Gentamicin

Low
N/A

Dosing

General Information

  • Empiric (in combination) or targeted therapy for suspected or confirmed gram negative infections.
  • Empiric therapy for pyelonephritis.
  • Used synergistically in enterococcal endocarditis.

Nephrotoxicity (non-oliguric)

  • Avoid concomitant nephrotoxins

  • Less common with once daily dosing

  • Greater toxicity with longer duration and supratherapeutic trough levels

Vestibulocochlear toxicity

  • Irreversible

  • Require audiology testing if prolonged use

Can exacerbate neuromuscular blockade

  • Contraindicated in patients with myasthenia gravis

Increased nephrotoxicity

  • Amphotericin

  • Vancomycin

  • Cyclosporin

  • NSAIDs

  • Contrast

Increased ototoxicity

  • Loop diuretics (e.g. furosemide)

Non-depolarizing muscle relaxants may be potentiated

Formal audiology assessment if planning to use aminoglycoside for >7d or if symptoms develop.

Inform patient of risk of ototoxicity and to report any symptoms.

Antimicrobial class: Aminoglycoside

Pregnancy category: D

Breastfeeding: Compatible

Average serum half life: 2 hours

Urine penetration: Therapeutic

Lung penetration: Therapeutic

CSF penetration: Poor

Biliary penetration: Moderate