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.
Treatment of serious bone and joint infections caused by susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Proteus, Serratia, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Used as an adjunct to other appropriate anti-infectives.
Treatment of endocarditis† caused by viridans streptococci (e.g., S. milleri, S. mitis, S. mutans) or S. bovis (nonenterococcal group D streptococcus); used as an adjunct to recommended anti-infectives (e.g., penicillin G, ceftriaxone, vancomycin).
Treatment of enterococcal endocarditis†; used in conjunction with an appropriate anti-infective (e.g., penicillin G, ampicillin, vancomycin).
Treatment of endocarditis caused by slow-growing fastidious gram-negative bacilli termed the HACEK group† (i.e., Haemophilus parainfluenzae, H. aphrophilus, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Cardiobacterium hominis, Eikenella corrodens, Kingella kingae); used in conjunction with ampicillin.
Prevention of bacterial endocarditis in patients undergoing certain GU and GI (except esophageal) procedures† who have cardiac conditions that put them at high risk. Gentamicin used as an adjunct to ampicillin or vancomycin (used in penicillin-allergic patients) in high-risk patients; amoxicillin, ampicillin, or vancomycin is used alone in those at moderate risk. Consult most recent AHA recommendations for specific information on which cardiac conditions are associated with high or moderate risk of endocarditis and which procedures require prophylaxis.
Gynecologic Infections
Treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease† (PID); used in conjunction with clindamycin. When a parenteral regimen is indicated for treatment of PID, IV clindamycin in conjunction with an IV or IM aminoglycoside (e.g., gentamicin) is one possible regimen since it provides good coverage for anaerobes. However, this regimen may not provide optimal coverage for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis, and a regimen of cefoxitin (or cefotetan) and doxycycline may be preferred when these organisms are suspected as primary pathogens.
Intra-abdominal Infections
Treatment of serious intra-abdominal infections (including peritonitis) caused by susceptible S. aureus, Citrobacter, Enterobacter, E. coli, Klebsiella, Proteus, Serratia, or Ps. aeruginosa. Used as an adjunct to other appropriate anti-infectives.
Meningitis and Other CNS Infections
Treatment of CNS infections (meningitis) caused by susceptible S. aureus, Citrobacter, Enterobacter, E. coli, Klebsiella, Proteus, Serratia, or Ps. aeruginosa.
Aminoglycosides should not be used alone for treatment of meningitis; usually used as an adjunct to other anti-infectives in initial treatment. Used in conjunction with ampicillin for initial empiric treatment of neonatal S. agalactiae meningitis or for Listeria monocytogenes meningitis.
Respiratory Tract Infections
Treatment of serious respiratory tract infections caused by susceptible S. aureus, Citrobacter, Enterobacter, E. coli, Klebsiella, Proteus, Serratia, or Ps. aeruginosa. Used as an adjunct to an appropriate β-lactam (e.g., ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, cefepime, piperacillin and tazobactam, ticarcillin and clavulanate) or carbapenem (e.g., imipenem, meropenem) for empiric treatment of nosocomial pneumonia.
Septicemia
Treatment of septicemia caused by susceptible S. aureus, Citrobacter, Enterobacter, E. coli, Klebsiella, Proteus, Serratia, or Ps. aeruginosa.
Used as an adjunct to an appropriate β-lactam (e.g., ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, cefepime, piperacillin and tazobactam, ticarcillin and clavulanate) or carbapenem (e.g., imipenem, meropenem) for empiric treatment of life-threatening septicemia.
Skin and Skin Structure Infections
Treatment of serious skin and skin structure infections caused by susceptible S. aureus, Citrobacter, Enterobacter, E. coli, Klebsiella, Proteus, Serratia, or Ps. aeruginosa. Used as an adjunct to other appropriate anti-infectives.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Treatment of serious complicated and recurrent UTIs caused by susceptible S. aureus, Citrobacter, Enterobacter, E. coli, Klebsiella, Proteus, Serratia, or Ps. aeruginosa. Used as an adjunct to other appropriate anti-infectives.
Not indicated for uncomplicated UTIs unless causative organism is resistant to other less-toxic alternatives.
Brucellosis
Treatment of brucellosis†; used in conjunction with a tetracycline or co-trimoxazole.
Granuloma Inguinale (Donovanosis)
Adjunct for treatment of granuloma inguinale† (donovanosis) caused by Calymmatobacterium granulomatis. CDC recommends doxycycline or co-trimoxazole as drugs of choice; ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, and azithromycin are alternatives. Some clinicians suggest adding an IV aminoglycoside (e.g., gentamicin) if improvement is not evident within the first few days of therapy and in pregnant or HIV-infected patients.
Plague
Treatment of plague† caused by Yersinia pestis, including naturally occurring or endemic bubonic, septicemic, or pneumonic plague or plague that occurs as the result of biologic warfare or bioterrorism. Although streptomycin generally has been considered the drug of choice for plague, gentamicin also is a drug of choice since it may be as effective and is more readily available than streptomycin.
Tularemia
Treatment of tularemia† caused by Francisella tularensis, including naturally occurring or endemic tularemia or tularemia that occurs as the result of biologic warfare or bioterrorism. Although streptomycin generally has been considered the drug of choice for tularemia, gentamicin is more readily available and may be used as an alternative when streptomycin is unavailable.
Empiric Therapy in Febrile Neutropenic Patients
Empiric anti-infective therapy of presumed bacterial infections in febrile neutropenic patients†. Used in conjunction with an appropriate antipseudomonal cephalosporin (e.g., ceftazidime, ceftriaxone), extended-spectrum penicillin (e.g., ticarcillin, piperacillin and tazobactam, ticarcillin and clavulanate), or carbapenem (e.g., imipenem, meropenem).
Consult published protocols for the treatment of infections in febrile neutropenic patients for specific recommendations regarding selection of the initial empiric regimen, when to change the initial regimen, possible subsequent regimens, and duration of therapy in these patients. Consultation with an infectious disease expert knowledgeable about infections in immunocompromised patients also is advised.
Dosage and Administration
Administration
Administer by IV infusion or IM injection. Also has been administered without preservatives intrathecally or intraventricularly to supplement IM or IV administration in the treatment of CNS infections.
IV Infusion
For solution and drug compatibility information, see Compatibility under Stability.
Reconstitution and Dilution
For adults, prepare IV infusions by diluting the calculated dose of gentamicin with 50–200 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride or 5% dextrose injection.
ADD-Vantage® vials should be diluted according to the manufacturer’s directions prior to IV infusion.
Rate of Administration
IV infusions are given over 30 minutes to 2 hours.
IM Injection
For IM injection, the appropriate dose should be withdrawn from multiple-dose vials.
Solutions prepared from or commercially available in pharmacy bulk packages, those available in ADD-Vantage® vials, or the commercially available injections in 0.9% sodium chloride should not be used for IM administration of the drug.
Dosage
Available as gentamicin sulfate; dosage is expressed in terms of gentamicin.
Dosage is identical for either IV or IM administration.
Dosage should be based on patient’s pretreatment body weight.
Many clinicians recommend that dosage be determined using appropriate pharmacokinetic methods for calculating dosage requirements and patient-specific pharmacokinetic parameters (e.g., elimination rate constant, volume of distribution) derived from serum concentration-time data; in determining dosage, the susceptibility of the causative organism, the severity of infection, and the patient’s immune and clinical status also must be considered.
Peak and trough serum gentamicin concentrations should be determined periodically and dosage adjusted to maintain desired serum concentrations whenever possible, especially in patients with life-threatening infections, suspected toxicity or nonresponse to treatment, decreased or varying renal function, and/or when increased aminoglycoside clearance (e.g., patients with cystic fibrosis, burns) or prolonged therapy is likely.
In general, desirable peak serum concentrations of gentamicin are 4–12 mcg/mL and trough concentrations of the drug should not exceed 1–2 mcg/mL. Some evidence suggests that an increased risk of toxicity may be associated with prolonged peak serum gentamicin concentrations >10–12 mcg/mL and/or trough concentrations >2 mcg/mL.
Once-daily administration† of aminoglycosides is at least as effective as, and may be less toxic than, conventional dosage regimens employing multiple daily doses.
Pediatric Patients
General Dosage for Neonates
IV or IM
Manufacturer recommends 2.5 mg/kg every 12 hours in premature or full-term neonates ≤1 week of age and 2.5 mg/kg every 8 hours for older neonates.
Neonates <1 week of age: AAP recommends 2.5 mg/kg every 18–24 hours for those weighing <1.2 kg and 2.5 mg/kg every 12 hours for those weighing ≥1.2 kg.
Neonates 1–4 weeks of age: AAP recommends 2.5 mg/kg every 18–24 hours for those weighing <1.2 kg, 2.5 mg/kg every 8 or 12 hours for those weighing 1.2–2 kg, and 2.5 mg/kg every 8 hours for those weighing >2 kg.
General Dosage for Infants and Children
IV or IM
Older infants and children: manufacturer recommends 2.5 mg/kg every 8 hours for older neonates.
Children ≥1 month of age: AAP recommends 3–7.5 mg/kg given in 3 divided doses for treatment of severe infections. Inappropriate for mild to moderate infections according to AAP.
Endocarditis
Treatment of Staphylococcal Endocarditis
IV or IM
3 mg/kg daily in 3 divided doses; dosage adjusted to achieve peak serum gentamicin concentrations approximately 3 mcg/mL and trough concentrations <1 mcg/mL.†
Treatment of Endocarditis Caused by Viridans Streptococci or S. bovis
IV or IM
3 mg/kg daily in 3 divided doses; dosage adjusted to achieve peak serum gentamicin concentrations approximately 3 mcg/mL and trough concentrations <1 mcg/mL.†
Used in conjunction with penicillin G or ceftriaxone; usual duration is 2 weeks for penicillin-susceptible strains (MIC ≤0.1 mcg/mL), 2 weeks for relatively resistant strains (MIC >0.1–0.5 mcg/mL), or 4–6 weeks for strains with high level penicillin resistance (MIC >0.5 mcg/mL). If used with vancomycin in patients unable to receive a β-lactam, a 6-week regimen is recommended.†
Treatment of Enterococcal Endocarditis
IV or IM
3 mg/kg daily in 3 divided doses; dosage adjusted to achieve peak serum gentamicin concentrations approximately 3 mcg/mL and trough concentrations <1 mcg/mL.†
Used in conjunction with penicillin G or ceftriaxone; usual duration is 2 weeks for penicillin-susceptible strains (MIC ≤0.1 mcg/mL), 2 weeks for relatively resistant strains (MIC >0.1–0.5 mcg/mL), or 4–6 weeks for strains with high level penicillin resistance (MIC >0.5 mcg/mL). If used with vancomycin in patients unable to receive a β-lactam, a 6-week regimen is recommended.†
Prevention of Endocarditis in Patients Undergoing Certain Genitourinary or GI (except Esophageal) Procedures
IV or IM
For high-risk patients: 1.5 mg/kg (up to 120 mg) given within 30 minutes prior to the procedure; used in conjunction with recommended regimens of ampicillin or vancomycin.†
Plague
Treatment of Plague
IV or IM
Premature neonates and neonates ≤1 week of age: 2.5 mg/kg twice daily.†
Infants and older children: 2.5 mg/kg 3 times daily.†
Usual duration is 10 days; some experts recommend 10–14 days.†
Tularemia
Treatment of Tularemia
IV or IM
2.5 mg/kg 3 times daily for 10 days.†
Adults
General Adult Dosage
Treatment of Serious Infections
IV or IM
3 mg/kg daily given in 3 equally divided doses every 8 hours.
Treatment of Life-threatening Infections
IV or IM
≤5 mg/kg daily given in 3 or 4 equally divided doses. Dosage should be reduced to 3 mg/kg daily when clinically indicated.
Endocarditis
Treatment of Staphylococcal Endocarditis
IVor IM
1 mg/kg every 8 hours. Used in conjunction with nafcillin, oxacillin, cefazolin, or vancomycin; gentamicin used only during the first 3–5 days of therapy for native valve infections or during the first 2 weeks for prosthetic valve infections.†
Treatment of Endocarditis Caused by Viridans Streptococci or S. bovis
IV or IM
1 mg/kg every 8 hours. Used in conjunction with penicillin G, ceftriaxone, or vancomycin; gentamicin used only during the first 2 weeks of therapy.†
Treatment of Enterococcal Endocarditis
IV or IM
1 mg/kg every 8 hours. Used in conjunction with penicillin G, ampicillin, or vancomycin; usual duration is 4–6 weeks.†
Treatment of Endocarditis Caused by HACEK group
IV
1 mg/kg every 8 hours. Used in conjunction with ampicillin; usual duration is 4 weeks. (HACEK: H. parainfluenzae, H. aphrophilus, A. actinomycetemcomitans, C. hominis, E. corrodens, K. kingae)†
Prevention of Endocarditis in Patients Undergoing Certain Genitourinary or GI (except Esophageal) Procedures
IV or IM
For high-risk patients: 1.5 mg/kg (up to 120 mg) given within 30 minutes prior to the procedure; used in conjunction with recommended regimens of ampicillin or vancomycin.†
Gynecologic Infections
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
IV or IM
Initially, 2 mg/kg followed by 1.5 mg/kg every 8 hours; used in conjunction with IV clindamycin (900 mg every 8 hours). After clinical improvement occurs, discontinue IV clindamycin and gentamicin and switch to oral clindamycin (450 mg 4 times daily) or oral doxycycline (100 mg twice daily) to complete 14 days of therapy.†
Granuloma Inguinale (Donovanosis)
IV
1 mg/kg every 8 hours; added as an adjunct to the recommended or alternative drugs (doxycycline, co-trimoxazole, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, azithromycin) if improvement is not evident within the first few days of therapy or in pregnant or HIV-infected patients.†
Plague
Treatment of Plague
IV or IM
5 mg/kg once daily or, alternatively, a 2-mg/kg loading dose following by 1.7 mg/kg 3 times daily. Usual duration is 10 days; some experts recommend 10–14 days.†
Tularemia
Treatment of Tularemia
IV or IM
5 mg/kg once daily for 10 days; some experts recommend 3–5 mg/kg daily for 10–14 days.†
Special Populations
Renal Impairment
Dosage adjustments necessary in patients with renal impairment. Whenever possible monitor serum gentamicin concentrations, especially in patients with changing renal function.
Various methods have been used to determine aminoglycoside dosage for patients with renal impairment and there is wide variation in dosage recommendations for these patients. The manufacturers recommend an initial dose of 1–1.7 mg/kg, followed by 1-mg/kg doses given at intervals (in hours) calculated by multiplying the patient’s steady-state serum creatinine (in mg/dL) by 8. The dosing method of Sarubbi and Hull, which is based on corrected Clcr also has been recommended. Specialized references should be consulted for specific information on dosage for patients with renal impairment.
Dosage calculation methods should not be used in patients undergoing hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. In patients with renal failure undergoing hemodialysis, the manufacturers recommend supplemental doses of 1–1.7 mg/kg at the end of each dialysis period in adults and supplemental doses of 2–2.5 mg/kg at the end of each dialysis period in children.
Geriatric Patients
Select dosage with caution and closely monitor renal function because of age-related decreases in renal function.
No dosage adjustments except those related to renal impairment. (See Renal Impairment under Dosage and Administration.)
Patients receiving aminoglycosides should be under close clinical observation because of possible ototoxicity.
Vestibular and permanent bilateral auditory ototoxicity occurs most frequently in those with past or present history of renal impairment, those receiving other ototoxic drugs, and those who receive high dosage or prolonged treatment.
Serial audiograms should be obtained, if feasible, in patients old enough to be tested, particularly in high-risk patients.
Discontinue gentamicin or adjust dosage if there is evidence of ototoxicity (dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus, roaring in the ears, hearing loss).
Some aminoglycosides have caused fetal ototoxicity when administered to pregnant women. (See Pregnancy under Cautions.)
Nephrotoxicity
Patients receiving aminoglycosides should be under close clinical observation because of possible nephrotoxicity. Renal function should be assessed prior to and periodically during therapy.
Nephrotoxicity occurs most frequently in those with past or present history of renal impairment, those receiving other nephrotoxic drugs, and those who receive high dosage or prolonged treatment.
Dosage reduction may be desirable if other evidence of renal dysfunction occurs (e.g., decreased Clcr, decreased urine specific gravity, increased BUN or Scr, oliguria).
If azotemia increases or if a progressive decrease in urinary output occurs, discontinue gentamicin.
Neuromuscular Blockade
Neuromuscular blockade and respiratory paralysis reported with high gentamicin dosage (40 mg/kg) in animal studies.
Possibility of neuromuscular blockade should be considered, especially in patients receiving anesthetics or neuromuscular blocking agents (e.g., tubocurarine, succinylcholine, decamethonium) or in those receiving massive transfusions of citrate-anticoagulated blood.
Calcium salts may reverse neuromuscular blockade.
Sensitivity Reactions
Cross-Hypersensitivity
Cross-allergenicity occurs among the aminoglycosides.
Sulfite Sensitivity
Gentamicin injection contains sodium metabisulfite, which may cause allergic-type reactions (including anaphylaxis and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes) in certain susceptible individuals.
General Precautions
Selection and Use of Anti-infectives
To reduce development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain effectiveness of gentamicin and other antibacterials, use only for treatment or prevention of infections proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria.
When selecting or modifying anti-infective therapy, use results of culture and in vitro susceptibility testing. In the absence of such data, consider local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns when selecting anti-infectives for empiric therapy.
Usually used in conjunction with other anti-infectives (e.g., penicillins, cephalosporins) for empiric treatment of serious infections pending results of in vitro susceptibility tests. If anaerobic bacteria are suspected, concomitant use of an anti-infective active against anaerobes is necessary.
Superinfection
Possible emergence and overgrowth of nonsusceptible bacteria or fungi. Discontinue drug and institute appropriate therapy if superinfection occurs.
Interactions
Because of possible additive toxicity, avoid concurrent and/or sequential use of other neurotoxic or nephrotoxic drugs (systemic, oral, or topical), particularly bacitracin, cisplatin, amphotericin B, cephaloridine (no longer available in US), paromomycin, viomycin, polymyxin B, colistin, vancomycin, or other aminoglycosides. Do not administer concurrently with potent diuretics. (See Specific Drugs under Interactions.)
Consider possibility of neuromuscular blockade and respiratory paralysis in patients receiving anesthetics or neuromuscular blocking agents (e.g., tubocurarine, succinylcholine, decamethonium). (See Specific Drugs under Interactions.)
Use with caution in patients with muscular disorders such as myasthenia gravis or parkinsonism since drugs used in these patients may aggravate muscle weakness because of their potential curare-like effect on the neuromuscular junction.
Topical Instillation
Aminoglycoside may be absorbed in significant quantities from body surfaces after topical instillation† and may cause neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.
Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Category D.
Possibility of fetal harm if administered to a pregnant woman. Complete, irreversible, bilateral congenital deafness reported when another aminoglycoside (i.e., streptomycin) was used during pregnancy.
If used during pregnancy or if patient becomes pregnant while receiving gentamicin, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus.
Lactation
Low concentrations of aminoglycosides may be distributed into milk. Use with caution.
Pediatric Use
Use with caution in neonates and premature infants because renal immaturity in these patients may result in prolonged serum half-life.
Geriatric Use
Select dosage with caution and closely monitor renal function because of age-related decreases in renal function.
Monitoring renal function during aminoglycoside therapy is particularly important in geriatric patients. Clcr may be more useful than determining BUN or Scr.
Renal Impairment
Risk of neurotoxicity (manifested as vestibular and permanent bilateral auditory ototoxicity) is greater in patients with renal damage than in other patients.
Renal function should be assessed prior to and during therapy.
Eighth-cranial nerve function should be monitored closely, especially in patients who have known or suspected renal impairment at the start of treatment and also in those whose renal function is initially normal but who develop signs of renal dysfunction during treatment.
Common Adverse Effects
Ototoxicity or nephrotoxicity.
Interactions
Neurotoxic, Ototoxic, or Nephrotoxic Drugs
Concomitant or sequential use with other drugs that have neurotoxic, ototoxic, or nephrotoxic effects (e.g., aminoglycosides, acyclovir, amphotericin B, bacitracin, capreomycin, cephalosporins, colistin, cephaloridine, viomycin, polymyxin B, colistin, cisplatin, vancomycin) may result in additive toxicity and should be avoided, if possible. In addition, because of the possibility of an increased risk of ototoxicity due to additive effects or altered serum and tissue aminoglycoside concentrations, aminoglycosides should not be given concurrently with potent diuretics such as ethacrynic acid or furosemide.
In vitro evidence of additive or synergistic antibacterial effects between penicillins and aminoglycosides against some enterococci, Enterobacteriaceae, or Ps. aeruginosa; used to therapeutic advantage (e.g., treatment of endocarditis)
Possible increased incidence of nephrotoxicity reported with some cephalosporins; cephalosporins may spuriously elevate creatinine concentrations
Potential in vitro and in vivo inactivation of aminoglycosides
Do not admix; administer IV solutions of the drugs separately
Monitor serum aminoglycoside concentrations, especially when high penicillin doses are used or patient has renal impairment
Carbapenems (imipenem)
In vitro evidence of additive or synergistic antibacterial effects with aminoglycosides against some gram-positive bacteria (E. faecalis, S. aureus, L. monocytogenes)
Some in vitro evidence of antagonism with aminoglycosides; in vivo antagonism has not been demonstrated and the drugs have been administered concomitantly with no apparent decrease in activity
Some in vitro evidence of antagonism with aminoglycosides; in vivo antagonism has not been demonstrated and the drugs have been administered concomitantly with no apparent decrease in activity
Diuretics (ethacrynic acid, furosemide)
Possible increased risk of ototoxicity (diuretics themselves may cause ototoxicity) or increased risk of other aminoglycoside-related adverse effects (diuretics may alter aminoglycoside serum or tissue concentrations)
Possible potentiation of neuromuscular blockade and respiratory paralysis
Use concomitantly with caution; observe closely for signs of respiratory depression
NSAIAs
Possible increased serum aminoglycoside concentrations reported with indomethacin in premature neonates; may be related to indomethacin-induced decreases in urine output
Closely monitor aminoglycoside concentrations and adjust dosage accordingly
Some in vitro evidence of antagonism with aminoglycosides; in vivo antagonism has not been demonstrated and the drugs have been administered concomitantly with no apparent decrease in activity
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Bioavailability
Not absorbed orally; must be given parenterally.
Rapidly absorbed following IM injection; peak plasma concentrations attained within 30–90 minutes.
Distribution
Extent
Distributed into bone, heart, gallbladder, lung tissue, bile, sputum, bronchial secretions, and interstitial, pleural, and synovial fluids.
Only low concentrations distributed into CSF following IM or IV administration.
Crosses the placenta. Aminoglycosides may be distributed into milk in low concentrations.
Plasma Protein Binding
Only minimally bound to plasma proteins.
Elimination
Metabolism
Not metabolized.
Elimination Route
50–93% of a single IM dose excreted unchanged by glomerular filtration within 24 hours.
3–3.5 hours in infants 1 week to 6 months of age and 5.5 hours in full-term infants and large premature infants <1 week of age. In small premature infants, plasma half-life is approximately 5 hours in those weighing >2 kg, 8 hours in those weighing 1.5–2 kg, and 11.5 hours in those weighing <1.5 kg.
Special Populations
Half-life is 24–60 hours in adults with severe renal impairment.
Stability
Storage
Parenteral
Injection for IV Infusion or IM Injection
15–30°C.
Compatibility
For information on systemic interactions resulting from concomitant use, see Interactions.
Inhibits protein synthesis in susceptible bacteria by irreversibly binding to 30S ribosomal subunits.
In vitro spectrum of activity includes many gram-negative aerobic bacteria (including most Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and some aerobic gram-positive bacteria. Inactive against fungi, viruses, and most anaerobic bacteria.
Gram-positive aerobes: active in vitro against penicillinase-producing and nonpenicillinase-producing Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis. May be active against some strains of oxacillin-resistant (methicillin-resistant) staphylococci. Streptococcus pyogenes (group A β-hemolytic streptococci), S. pneumoniae, and group D streptococci.
Gram-negative aerobes: active in vitro and in clinical infections against Acinetobacter, Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella, Morganella, Proteus, Providencia, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Shigella, and Serratia. Burkholderia and Stenotrophomonas usually are resistant.
Importance of completing full course of therapy, even if feeling better after a few days.
Advise patients that skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may decrease effectiveness and increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable with gentamicin or other antibacterials in the future.
Importance of informing clinician if there is evidence of ototoxicity (dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus, roaring in the ears, hearing loss), other neurotoxicity (numbness, skin tingling, muscle twitching, seizures), or nephrotoxicity (e.g., decreased urine output).
Importance of informing clinician of existing or contemplated therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs.
Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.
Importance of advising patients of other important precautionary information. (See Cautions.)
Preparations
Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.
Gentamicin Sulfate
Routes
Dosage Forms
Strengths
Brand Names
Manufacturer
Parenteral
Injection, for IM or IV use
10 mg (of gentamicin) per mL
Gentamicin Sulfate Pediatric Injection (with edetate disodium, parabens, and sulfites)
This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 09/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.
† Use is not currently included in the labeling approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children,
never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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