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Aminoglycoside·Infectious Diseases - Aminoglycosides
Severe gram-negative sepsis, pyelonephritis, endocarditis synergy, intra-abdominal sepsis
Max Dose
7 mg/kg/day
Half-life
2-3 h
Nephrotoxic
CRITICAL
Ototoxic
CRITICAL
Overview
Incredibly potent, rapid-acting bactericidal aminoglycoside. Devastates gram-negative aerobes (including Pseudomonas). Exhibits unique 'concentration-dependent' killing.
Maximum Dose
Max 7 mg/kg/day (strictly based on Ideal Body Weight).
Clinical Focus
Narrow therapeutic index. Permanently destroys hearing and kidneys if blood levels are not aggressively monitored.
Bottom Line
Gentamicin is a potent aminoglycoside for serious gram-negative infections and synergistic endocarditis therapy, but has critical nephrotoxicity and irreversible ototoxicity requiring therapeutic drug monitoring.
Brand Names
DBL Gentamicin
Parenteral
Ampoules (80 mg/2 mL) for IV infusion.
Prescribing & PBS
Hospital supply.
Primary
Severe gram-negative sepsis, pyelonephritis, endocarditis synergy, intra-abdominal sepsis.
Clinical Place
Often used as a single STAT dose in ED to rapidly sterilize the blood, followed by a safer beta-lactam.