Gentamicin
Introduction To Gentamicin
Gentamicin is an antibiotic used to prevent or treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. This may include infections of the urinary tract, bones and joints, lungs (e.g., pneumonia), brain (e.g., meningitis), sepsis, and some others. However, it is not effective for gonorrhea.
Gentamicin is also widely used in hospitalized patients to prevent infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. It is given as a drip (intravenous infusion) or as an injection directly into a vein or a muscle under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Your doctor may shift you to another antibiotic after culture reports become available. It should be used regularly at evenly spaced time intervals as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping the medicine too early may lead to the infection returning or worsening.
This medicine may lead to kidney damage and hearing loss as side effects in some patients. Therefore, it is important to follow all the instructions given by your doctor while using this medicine. It may also cause balance disorder (loss of balance) and injection site pain in some people.
Your doctor may monitor you with regular kidney function tests or hearing tests during treatment. Some patients may also be advised to get blood levels of this medicine measured. Before using this medicine, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become, or breastfeeding.
Uses of Gentamicin
- Treatment of Bacterial infections
Benefits of Gentamicin
Treatment of Bacterial infections
Gentamicin is the injection form of an antibiotic medicine that stops the
growth of the infection causing bacteria in your body. It is often injected by
a doctor or a nurse either into a vein or a muscle. This medicine is used to
treat many different types of infections such as urinary tract, bones and
joints, lungs (eg. pneumonia), brain, blood, and some others. This medicine
usually makes you feel better within a few days. Follow your doctor's
instructions carefully to get maximum benefit.
Side effects of Gentamicin
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Alpagen
- Hearing loss
- Kidney damage
- Balance disorder (loss of balance)
- Injection site pain
How to use Gentamicin
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
How Gentamicin works
Gentamicin is an antibiotic. It stops bacterial growth by preventing synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Gentamicin if I’m pregnant?
Gentamicin is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Gentamicin if I’m breastfeeding?
Gentamicin is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.
AlcoholSAFE
Is drinking alcohol while taking Gentamicin safe?
Consuming alcohol with Gentamicin does not cause any harmful side effects.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Gentamicin?
Gentamicin may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.
KidneyCAUTION
Can I take Gentamicin if I have/had kidney diseases?
Gentamicin should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Gentamicin may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
LiverCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Gentamicin if I have/had liver diseases?
There is limited information available on the use of Gentamicin in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Gentamicin safe?
Gentamicin is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and let your doctor know if any of the side effects bother you.
Q. How is Gentamicin administered?
Gentamicin should be administered under the supervision of a trained healthcare professional or a doctor only and should not be self-administered. The dose will depend on the condition you are being treated for and will be decided by your doctor. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get maximum benefit from Gentamicin.
Q. Can I take a higher than the recommended dose of this medicine?
No, Gentamicin should be taken in the recommended dose only. Overdose of Gentamicin can increase the risks of side effects. If you experience an increase in the severity of your symptoms during the treatment, please consult your doctor for re-evaluation.
Q. What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Gentamicin?
Keep this medicine in the container or the pack it came in, tightly closed. Store it according to the instructions mentioned on the pack or label. Dispose of the unused medicine. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children and other people.
Q. Is Gentamicin effective?
Gentamicin is effective if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you see improvement in your condition. If you stop using Gentamicin too early, the symptoms may return or worsen.
Q. What if I don't get better after using Gentamicin?
Inform your doctor if you don't feel better after finishing the full course of treatment. Also, consult your doctor if your symptoms are getting worse while using this medicine. The doctor may modify the dose or suggest an alternative medicine.
Q. Can I stop taking Gentamicin when I feel better?
No, do not stop taking Gentamicin without consulting the doctor even if you are feeling better. You may experience improvement in your symptoms before the infection is completely cleared. Therefore, for better results, it is advised to continue your treatment for the prescribed duration.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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