What Is Gentamicin?

Gentamicin is an antibiotic prescribed to treat serious or severe bacterial infections. 

The brand names of gentamicin include Gentak, Pred-G, and Valisone-G. It is mostly available as injectable solutions, which are either injected into the muscle or into the veins through an IV. 

Gentamicin is also available as an ophthalmic solution (eye drops) and ointment for treating bacterial infections of the eye.

Gentamicin is considered a broad-spectrum antibiotic, meaning it is effective against a range of bacterial infections. This makes it an advantageous treatment for those with an illness that may be caused by more than one type of bacteria, or if the doctor suspects that the infection is from more than one type of bacteria. However, gentamicin is not effective against anaerobic bacteria or streptococci. 

How Does Gentamicin Work?

Gentamicin works by preventing bacteria from producing the proteins they need to survive. It accomplishes this by binding to the ribosomes of the bacteria, which are the tiny structures within bacterial cells that build proteins. By binding to the ribosomes, gentamicin keeps the bacteria from assembling proteins correctly. 

Without proteins, the bacteria become unable to reproduce and grow, which leads to their death. The immune system can then go through and clear out the infection. 

What Is Gentamicin Used For?

Gentamicin is prescribed to treat serious or severe infections caused by bacteria, such as meningitis (infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord). Gentamicin may also be used to treat severe infections of the abdomen, blood, skin, lungs, joints, bones, and urinary tract. 

In some cases, gentamicin may be prescribed to treat granuloma inguinale, pelvic inflammatory disease, tularemia, or the plague. 

When used in the form of eye drops, gentamicin can treat conditions like conjunctivitis and other eye infections.

Side Effects of Gentamicin

Some of the common side effects of gentamicin include:

• nausea or vomiting
• vision problems
• loss of appetite
• itching or a rash
• lightheadedness
• headache
• joint pain
• pain at the injection site. 

Gentamicin can also cause some serious side effects that include:

• numbness or tingling
• hearing loss or a roaring sound in your ears
• weak or shallow breathing
• ongoing or severe dizziness
• severe stomach pain
• bloody or watery diarrhea
• seizures
• fever
• red or swollen gums
• ulcers or blisters in the mouth
• difficulty swallowing
• kidney problems (painful or difficult urination, little or no urination, feeling short of breath or tired, swollen ankles or feet)
• increased pressure in the skull (ringing in the ears, severe headaches
• nausea, dizziness, pain behind your eyes, vision problems)
• signs of an electrolyte imbalance (weakness, confusion, bone pain, increased urination)

If you experience any of the above serious side effects, contact a healthcare professional immediately. 

How to Take Gentamicin?

The gentamicin dosage prescribed depends on various factors, including age, type of infection, and dosing schedule. It is essential to take gentamicin for the entire prescribed length, even if your symptoms improve before the time is up. 

Gentamicin is injected into a vein through an IV or into a muscle. You may be shown how to complete these injections at home, but you should not self-inject gentamicin if you do not know how to give the injection and safely dispose of the used needles and other equipment used to inject it. 

Do not inject gentamicin if it contains particles or has changed colors. Call your pharmacist for new medication if you notice either of these things. 

When taking gentamicin, be sure to drink plenty of liquid to help your kidneys work properly. Gentamicin can harm your kidneys, so drinking plenty of fluids can help prevent this damage. 

Those taking gentamicin may need to undergo frequent urine or blood tests. Additionally, they may also need their kidney function, hearing, and nerve function checked. If your doctor suggests these check-ups, be sure to attend them. 

If you miss a dose of gentamicin, call your doctor for instructions on what to do. In addition, seek emergency attention or call the Poison Help line if you take more gentamicin than is prescribed.