Gentamycin

Classification

Gentamycin belongs to the group of aminoglycosides. A distinction is made between aminoclycosides with general indications, to which gentamycin, tobramycin and amikacin belong, and aminoglycosides, which have a special indication. Gentamicin is also known under the trade name RefobacinR.

effect

Aminoglycosides also have an inhibitory effect on bacterial growth by inhibiting protein synthesis in the bacterial cell.

Areas of application

Gentamycin is a broad spectrum antibiotic that covers E.coli, Klebsiella, Proteus vulgaris and Pseudomonas aeroginosa in the gram-negative range and staphylococci in the gram-positive range. It is not or only weakly effective against streptococci, Haemophilus and anaerobes (Bacteroides, Clostridia).

The main areas of application are severe infections, such as Pneumonia, urinary tract infections, endocarditis, blood poisoning (sepsis), infected wounds, eye infections, bone and soft tissue infections.

Gentamicin is also found in antibiotic eye drops or eye ointments. But here it is used for external use.

Dexa-gentamicin eye drops are often used to treat inflammation caused by gentamicin-sensitive pathogens. Read more about this drug below: Dexa-gentamicin eye drops or Dexa-gentamicin eye ointment

also read: Eye ointment for a stye

Side effects

Aminoglycosides are quite rich in side effects. You can log into the Kidneys deposit and cause damage (nephrotoxic) there. The damage to the kidneys is, however, reduced by the corresponding regeneration of the cells after the drug has been discontinued. It can lead to a pathological urine picture containing so-called cylinders, cells and protein. Furthermore, aminoglycosides can accumulate in the so-called perilymph des Ear have an ear-damaging effect. This impairment can also decline. Only if the ear is severely damaged does the hearing loss persist even after the drug has been discontinued. Especially if the dose is too high, used for too long and if renal failure is neglected Balance disorders and dizziness arise. Since aminoglycosides accumulate in the tissue, there is a risk that the side effects will also occur after the drug is discontinued. In addition to allergies and blood formation disorders, the danger of nerve damage (neurotoxicity) should also be pointed out, which can even lead to respiratory paralysis. A combination with anesthetics and citrated blood in particular could intensify a neurotoxic effect. In order to minimize the numerous side effects, the dose should be adjusted in the event of impaired kidney function. A so-called drugMonitoring with recording of daily drug levels is also helpful. Gentamycin should be given as a short infusion once a day over an hour to avoid overdosing and to minimize side effects.

Please also read our article on this Antibiotic side effects

Interactions

Gentamicin and other antibiotics in this group should not be combined with cephalosporins, as this could lead to increased kidney damage. Increased kidney and ear damage could result from the combination with the drugs Amphotericin B, Colistin, Ciclospoprin A, Cisplatin, Vancomycin and loop diuretics. The anesthetic halothane could intensify the nerve-damaging effects of gentamycin.

Contraindications

If you already have Renal failure, or Inner ear damage as well as one pregnancy or the neurological disease Myasthemia gravis gentamicin should not be given.