Generic Name: gentamicin (gen tah MY sin)Brand Names: Garamycin
What is the most important information I should know about gentamicin?
If you are injecting gentamicin at home, your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions on how and where to inject the medication. If you do not understand these directions, do not attempt to inject the medication. Contact your healthcare provider for further instructions.
Gentamicin may cause damage to the kidneys and/ or nerves. Kidney function and drug levels in the blood may be monitored with blood tests during treatment. Tell your doctor if you experience hearing loss, dizziness, numbness, skin tingling, muscle twitching, or seizures which may be signs of nerve damage.
What is gentamicin?
Gentamicin is an antibiotic. It fights bacteria in the body.
Gentamicin is used to treat severe or serious bacterial infections.
Gentamicin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using gentamicin?
Do not use gentamicin without first talking to your doctor if you have
sulfite sensitivity;
kidney disease;
hearing loss or loss of balance due to ear problems;
Parkinson's disease; or
a neuromuscular disorder such as myasthenia gravis.
You may not be able to use gentamicin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Do not use gentamicin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
Do not use gentamicin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
If you are injecting gentamicin at home, your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions on how and where to inject the medication. If you do not understand these directions, do not attempt to inject the medication. Contact your healthcare provider for further instructions.
Do not use any gentamicin that is discolored, has particles in it, or looks different from your previous doses. Throw away any unused gentamicin after the amount of time determined by your pharmacist or doctor.
Adequate hydration is important during treatment with gentamicin. Fluids may be administered intravenously during treatment.
It is important that the medication be given on a regular schedule and for the entire amount of time prescribed by your doctor.
Gentamicin may cause damage to the kidneys and/ or nerves. Kidney function and drug levels in the blood may be monitored with blood tests during treatment. Tell your doctor if you experience hearing loss, dizziness, numbness, skin tingling, muscle twitching, or seizures which may be signs of nerve damage.
Dispose of used needles and syringes in a puncture resistant container out of the reach of children.
Your healthcare provider will store gentamicin as directed by the manufacturer or give you detailed storage instructions if you are storing the medication at home.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Contact your doctor if a dose is missed.
What happens if I overdose?
Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected. An overdose of the medication may result in damage to the kidneys or hearing loss, dizziness, numbness, skin tingling, muscle twitching, or seizures (which may be signs of nerve damage).
What should I avoid while taking gentamicin?
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking gentamicin unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking gentamicin?
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking gentamicin unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of gentamicin?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking gentamicin and seek emergency medical attention:
an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat; hives; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; rash; or fainting);
little or no urine;
decreased hearing or ringing in the ears;
dizziness, clumsiness, or unsteadiness;
numbness, skin tingling, muscle twitching, or seizures; or
severe watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take gentamicin and talk to your doctor if you experience
increased thirst;
loss of appetite;
nausea or vomiting;
a rash.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect gentamicin?
Other drugs, especially those that affect the kidneys, can interact with gentamicin resulting in dangerous side effects and/ or decreased effectiveness. Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, without first talking to your doctor during treatment with gentamicin.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist has additional information about gentamicin written for health professionals that you may read.
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Gentamicin Sulfate Injection
IMPORTANT WARNING:
Gentamicin can cause severe hearing and kidney problems. Before administering gentamicin, tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially diuretics ('water pills'), cisplatin (Platinol), amphotericin (Amphotec, Fungizone), other antibiotics, and vitamins.If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your health care provider immediately: dizziness, vertigo, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, numbness, muscle twitching or weakness, difficulty breathing, decreased urination, rash, itching, or sore throat.
About your treatment Return to top
Your doctor has ordered gentamicin, an antibiotic, to help treat your infection. The drug will be either injected into a large muscle (such as your buttock or hip) or added to an intravenous fluid that will drip through a needle or catheter placed in your vein for at least 30 minutes, one to three times a day.
Gentamicin eliminates bacteria that cause many kinds of infections, including lung, skin, bone, joint, stomach, blood, and urinary tract infections. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Your health care provider (doctor, nurse, or pharmacist) may measure the effectiveness and side effects of your treatment using laboratory tests and physical examinations. It is important to keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. The length of treatment depends on how your infection and symptoms respond to the medication.
Precautions Return to topBefore administering gentamicin,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to amikacin (Amikin), gentamicin, kanamycin (Kantrex), neomycin, netilmicin (Netromycin), streptomycin, tobramycin (Nebcin), or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially diuretics ('water pills'), cisplatin (Platinol), amphotericin (Amphotec, Fungizone), other antibiotics, and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease, vertigo, hearing loss, ringing in the ears, myasthenia gravis, or Parkinson's disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking gentamicin, call your doctor immediately. Gentamicin can harm the fetus.
Administering your medication Return to top
Before you administer gentamicin, look at the solution closely. It should be clear and free of floating material. Gently squeeze the bag or observe the solution container to make sure there are no leaks. Do not use the solution if it is discolored, if it contains particles, or if the bag or container leaks. Use a new solution, but show the damaged one to your health care provider.
It is important that you use your medication exactly as directed. Do not stop your therapy on your own for any reason because your infection could worsen and result in hospitalization. Do not change your dosing schedule without talking to your health care provider. Your health care provider may tell you to stop your infusion if you have a mechanical problem (such as a blockage in the tubing, needle, or catheter); if you have to stop an infusion, call your health care provider immediately so your therapy can continue.
Side effects Return to top
Gentamicin occasionally causes side effects. To reduce this risk, your health care provider may adjust your dose based on your blood test results. Follow the directions in the IMPORTANT WARNING section for the symptoms listed there and tell your health care provider if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:
upset stomach
vomiting
fatigue
pale skin
Storing your medication Return to top
Your health care provider probably will give you a several-day supply of gentamicin at a time. If you are receiving gentamicin intravenously (in your vein), you probably will be told to store it in the refrigerator or freezer.
Take your next dose from the refrigerator 1 hour before using it; place it in a clean, dry area to allow it to warm to room temperature.
If you are told to store additional gentamicin in the freezer, always move a 24-hour supply to the refrigerator for the next day's use.
Do not refreeze medications.
If you are receiving gentamicin intramuscularly (in your muscle), your health care provider will tell you how to store it properly.
Store your medication only as directed. Make sure you understand what you need to store your medication properly.
Keep your supplies in a clean, dry place when you are not using them, and keep all medications and supplies out of reach of children. Your health care provider will tell you how to throw away used needles, syringes, tubing, and containers to avoid accidental injury.
In case of emergency/overdose Return to top
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911
Signs of infection Return to top
You should be aware of the symptoms of infection in case your infection worsens or a new infection develops. If you notice any of the following symptoms, tell your health care provider as soon as possible:
fever
unusual tiredness or weakness
chills
shaking
nighttime sweating
loss of appetite
If you are receiving gentamicin in your vein or under your skin, you need to know the symptoms of a catheter-related infection (an infection where the needle enters your vein or skin). If you experience any of these effects near your intravenous catheter, tell your health care provider as soon as possible:
tenderness
warmth
irritation
drainage
redness
swelling
pain
Brand names Return to top
Garamycin Injection
Jenamicin Injection
Last Revised - 04/01/2003
Medline Plus
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