What is Gentamicin?
Gentamicin, an antibacterial, is used to fight bacteria. Gentamicin can be used to treat serious or severe bacterial infections. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of gentamicin.
Side effects of Gentamicin
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives or any swelling on your face, lips or throat - seek medical help immediately!
Gentamicin may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- A hearing loss or a roaring noise in your ears.
- Dizziness that is severe or persistent;
- Weak or shallow breathing
- Feeling of tingling or numbness;
- Twitching is muscle contraction or tightness.
- Seizure (convulsions);
- Diarrhoea that is bloody or watery; severe stomach pain
- Fever, blisters or ulcers on your gums, red or swollen gingiva, difficulty swallowing
- Kidney problems: little or no urination; painful or difficult urination; swelling of your ankles or feet; feeling tired or breathless;
- Signs of electrolyte imbalance include confusion, weakness, bone pain and increased urination;
- Increased pressure in the skull can cause severe headaches, ringing ears, dizziness, and nausea, as well as vision problems and pain behind the eyes.
Older adults may experience more side effects.
Some of the common side effects associated with gentamicin include:
- Vision problems
- Weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Itching or rash
- Pain where the medication was injected
- Headache and mood changes
- Joint pain.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The fda can be contacted at 1-800-fda-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Amoxicillin, Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin, Cephalexin, Azthromycin, Metronidazole, and Clindamycin
Warnings
Gentamicin may cause kidney damage, nerve damage, or hearing loss. This is especially true if you suffer from kidney disease or take certain medicines. Inform your doctor of all the medical conditions you have and the medications you take. Tell your surgeon if you plan to have surgery that you're using gentamicin.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to gentamicin or other similar antibiotics, such as amikacin (kanamycin), neomycin (paromomycin), streptomycin, or tobramycin, then it is best to avoid using gentamicin.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that gentamicin will not harm you:
- Kidney disease
- Asthma or sulfite allergies;
- Myasthenia gravis;
- A nerve-muscle disorder;
- A disorder of the nervous system such as Parkinson’s disease.
- An electrolyte balance (low levels in the blood of potassium, calcium, or magnesium)
- If you are dehydrated.
Avoid using gentamicin while pregnant. This drug could harm an unborn child. Prevent pregnancy by using birth controls during treatment. We do not know if gentamicin can pass into breast milk or if it would harm a baby who is nursing. This medicine should not be taken while breastfeeding.
How to take Gentamicin?
Do not alter the instructions on your prescription. Use this medication only as directed. Do not exceed the prescribed dose or use it for more than the suggested duration. Gentamicin usually lasts 7 to 10 days. Gentamicin can be injected directly into the muscle or vein via an IV. You may be taught how to use the IV at home. You should not inject this medicine yourself if you don't know how to properly give the injection or dispose of used needles and IV tubing. Gentamicin should not be used if the color has changed or if there are particles present. For new medications, call your pharmacist. Mixing gentamicin in a syringe or an IV bag with other medications is not recommended.
Only use a disposable syringe and needle once. Use a sharps container that is puncture-proof. Ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to dispose of it. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of sharps in a container that is puncture-proof. This container should be kept out of the reach of pets and children. Do not stop taking the medicine before it is completely cleared.Before an infection has completely subsided, symptoms may present themselves.You may also be at risk for a second infection resistant to antibiotics if you skip doses. Gentamicin does not treat a virus, such as the flu or a cold. Take gentamicin with plenty of fluids. It will keep your kidneys functioning properly. You may be required to undergo frequent urine or blood tests while taking gentamicin. You may also be required to have your kidney, nerve, and hearing functions checked. Tell your surgeon if you plan to have surgery that you use gentamicin. Store this medication at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you missed a dose, call your doctor to get instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Antibiotics can cause diarrhea. This could be an indication of a new illness. Call your doctor if you experience diarrhea that is bloody or watery. Antidiarrheal medication should only be taken if your physician has prescribed it.
Interaction with other drug
Gentamicin may harm your kidneys. This effect can be increased if you use other medications, such as antivirals (antiviral drugs), chemotherapy, injected bacteria, medicine for bowel problems, medicine to prevent transplant rejection, injectable osteoporosis medicine, or some pain relievers and arthritis medicines. Inform your physician of any new medicines you're taking or any of those you plan on discontinuing using, even if only temporary changes.
- A diuretic, or "water pill."
- Any other antibiotics
This list is incomplete. Other drugs, such as prescription and OTC medications, vitamins, and herbal products, may interact with Gentamicin. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions.
