Gentamicin

Question 1

Pharmacology and presentation of Gentamicin?

Answer 1

80mg:2ml

• Aminoglycoside antibiotic with broad activity against gram-negative bacteria. It inhibits bacterial cell protein synthesis.

Question 2

Indicators of Gentamicin?

Answer 2

Sepsis (in addition to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid), where the site of infection is the urinary tract, the abdomen, or is unknown and:
- The patient is aged greater than or equal to 12 years, and
- One or more high risk factors are present, and
- Time to hospital is greater than 30 minutes.

Question 3

Contraindications of Gentamicin?

Answer 3

• Known severe allergy.
• Pregnancy.

Question 4

Cautions of Gentamicin?

Answer 4

• None

Question 5

Side Effects of Gentamicin?

Answer 5

Side effects reported but commonly only with repeated and/or prolonged doses
- Renal impairment
- Ototoxicity (damage to inner ear)

Question 6

Dosing Regimes of Gentamicin?

Answer 6

Adults IV dilute to 10-20ml
- 400 mg if weighs greater than 80 kg.
- 320 mg if weighs 60-80 kg.
- 240 mg if weighs less than 60 kg

Question 7

Onset and duration of Gentamicin?

Answer 7

Onset:
- 30-60mins

Duration
- 24hrs