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What is gentamicin injection?
GENTAMICIN (Garamycin®) is an aminoglycoside antibiotic. Gentamicin injections treat serious infections caused by certain bacteria. Direct injection of gentamicin into the spinal cord (intrathecally) treats meningitis. Generic gentamicin injections are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• dehydration
• difficulty hearing
• infant botulism
• kidney disease
• myasthenia gravis
• Parkinson's disease
• other chronic illness
• an unusual or allergic reaction to gentamicin or other antibiotics, sulfites, foods, dyes or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Gentamicin is for injection into a muscle, or infusion into a vein. Use your doses at regular intervals. Finish the full course of medicine prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you feel better. Do not stop using except on your prescriber's advice.
What drug(s) may interact with gentamicin?
• acyclovir
• cisplatin
• dimenhydrinate
• indomethacin
• other antibiotics
• pamidronate
• ticarcillin
• vancomycin
• water pills
• zoledronic acid
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking gentamicin?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in a few days.
You may get dizzy or have trouble keeping your balance; until you know how gentamicin affects you, do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness.
Be aware that for some weeks after you finish a course of gentamicin you can still get side effects. Call your prescriber or health care professional if you get any serious side effects.
What side effects may I notice from receiving gentamicin?
Elderly patients are more likely to get serious side effects. Serious side effects with gentamicin include:
• difficulty hearing
• dizziness
• increased thirst
• loss of balance
• muscle weakness
• nausea
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• ringing in the ears
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• pain, swelling, and irritation at the injection site (especially after intramuscular injection)
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store between 2 and 30 degrees C (36 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Do not use if solution is discolored or particulate matter is present. Throw away any unused solution.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
