Gentamicin (By injection)
jen-ta-MYE-sin
Treats severe infections.
Drug classes
Antibiotic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Gentamicin injection is used to treat serious bacterial infections in many different parts of the body.
Gentamicin belongs to the class of medicines known as aminoglycoside antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. However, this medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.
Gentamicin injection is usually used for serious bacterial infections for which other medicines may not work. However, it may also cause some serious side effects, including damage to your kidneys and the part of your body that controls hearing. These side effects may be more likely to occur in elderly patients and newborn infants. You and your doctor should talk about the benefit of this medicine as well as the risks.
This medicine is to be administered only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or into a vein.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It may also be given by a home health caregiver.
You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
Drink extra fluids so you will pass more urine while you are using this medicine. This will keep your kidneys working well and help prevent kidney problems.
Never share your medicine with anyone.
If a dose is missed:
This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using cisplatin (Platinol®), other antibiotics, or diuretics (“water pills”) such as furosemide, Edecrin®, Lasix®, Norvasc®.
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to gentamicin or to similar medicines such as neomycin, kanamycin (Kantrex®), amikacin, or tobramycin. You should not use this medicine if you are pregnant.
Warnings
Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, myasthenia gravis, congestive heart failure, blood problems, or are allergic to sulfites.
Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.
Some side effects listed below may happen after you stop using this medicine.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
Dark-colored urine or pale stools
Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
Dizziness, trouble standing or walking
Muscle twitching, spasms, or weakness
Skin tingling, or numbness in the hands, arms, legs, or feet
Trouble hearing, ringing or buzzing in the ears
Yellow skin or eyes
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Pain, swelling, or redness where the shot is given
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Garamycin, Novaplus Gentamicin, Novaplus Gentamicin Pediatric, PremierPro Rx Gentamicin
There may be other brand names for this medicine.