How does it work?

Gentamicin is a member of the aminoglycoside family of antibiotics. These antibiotics have the ability to kill a wide variety of bacteria. Gentamicin binds to components in the bacterial cell which result in the production of abnormal proteins. These proteins are necessary for the bacteria's survival. Therefore the production of these abnormal proteins is ultimately fatal to the bacteria. Gentamicin is not absorbed from the gut and is therefore only given by injection or infusion. It is only used in the treatment of serious infections.

What is it used for?

Infection of the blood or tissues (septicaemia)

Infection of the kidney (pyelonephritis)

Infections of the bile duct or gall bladder

Inflammation of the lining of the heart cavity and heart valves due to infection (endocarditis)

Inflammation of the prostate

Lung infection

Warning!

People taking this medicine should have regular blood tests.

Monitoring of kidney and ear function should be carried out regularly whilst taking this medicine.

Use with caution in

Infants and elderly

Kidney disease

Prolonged use

Not to be used in

Abnormal muscle weakness

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used in pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

There is no information available regarding the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Rash

Nausea and vomiting

Damage to hearing

Damage to the kidneys

Damage to vestibular function within the ear. Symptoms include giddiness or dizziness, vertigo, unsteady or loss of balance.

Inflammation of the large intestine (colitis)

Low blood magnesium level (hypomagnesaemia)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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