Gentamicin MedicationWhat is it?
Gentamicin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria and is used to treat serious and severe fungal infections. If you haveliver diseaseor are taking certain other medicines, using Gentamicin can damage the kidneys, nerves, or hearing. Talk to your doctor about your illness and all medicines you take. If you need surgery, inform your doctor before the operation if you are taking Gentamicin orother antibiotics.Similar antibiotics include paramomycin, amikacin, kanamycin, neomycin,tobramycin, allergyIf you have allergies, avoid using it.
If you have the following conditions, consult your doctor before taking Gentamicin:
- kidney disease
- asthma or sulphite allergy
- Myasthenia Gravis (severe muscle weakness)
- nerve-muscle disorders
- neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s
- electrolyte imbalance (low levels of calcium,potassiumormagnesiumin blood); or dehydration
Using Gentamicin During Pregnancy
Ifpregnantdo not use Gentamicin, as it can harmthe fetus. During treatment, use effective birth control methods to prevent pregnancy, but it is still unclear whether Gentamicin affects breastfeeding mothers or not, so to be safe, do not use this medication while breastfeeding.
How to properly use and store Gentamicin?
Follow the instructions and your doctor’s prescription, and do not use more or less than recommended. Gentamicin is usually prescribed for 7 to 10 days.
Gentamicin is injected into the muscle or vein. If you are not trained in this, do not inject it at home as you may not know which needle or syringe to use.
Store this medication at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
If the color of Gentamicin changes or if there are particles in it, do not use it. Also, do not mix this drug with other medicines in the syringe case. Use disposable syringes and needles, dispose of them properly in medical waste, and keep out of reach of children and pets.
Always complete the full course of Gentamicin, as symptoms improve before the infection is fully cured. Not completing the treatment increases the risk of further infections and antibiotic resistance. This medication does not treat viral infections likeinfluenzaorcommon cold. It is not effective against these.
During Gentamicin therapy, drink plenty of fluids to keep your kidneys healthy. You may need frequent urine and blood tests, and your hearing, nerve, and kidney functions should be monitored.
What happens if you miss a dose of Gentamicin?
If you forget a dose or take more than recommended, seek emergency medical advice immediately.
What should you avoid while taking Gentamicin?
Antibiotics can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have watery or bloody diarrhea, see a doctor and do not self-medicate with anti-diarrheal drugs unless instructed by your healthcare provider.diarrheaAvoid unless your doctor recommends it.
Side effects of Gentamicin:
If you notice any allergic reactions, see your doctor immediately.hivesdifficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention as described in the health sectionSelMagzVisit your doctor:
- Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
- Severe or persistent confusion
- Weak or shallow breathing
- Numbness or itching
- Muscle cramps
- Disorientation
- Back pain
- Black or tarry stools
- Blurred vision or double vision
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Dry mouth
- Pain in the eyes
- Fast or slow heartbeat
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Sweating
- Lymph node inflammation
- Sore throat
- Swelling or puffiness around the eyes, face, lips, or tongueNumbness or burning sensation around the mouth, fingertips, or toesSevere stomach pain, watery or bloody diarrhea
- Pale or blue lips or nails, skin
- Fever, blisters or mouth sores, red or swollen gums, difficulty swallowing
- Kidney problems, reduced urine output or inability to urinate, painful urination, ankle and foot swelling, fatigue
- Electrolyte imbalance symptoms
- Weakness
Bone pain
- Increased urination
- Increased intracranial pressure
- Severe headaches
- Dizziness, nausea, vision problems, headache behind the eyes
- Common side effects in adults:
- Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss
Sensation of lightheadedness
- Pain at the injection site
- Headaches, mood changes
- Joint pain
- Some side effects do not require a doctor’s visit and may resolve during treatment as the body adjusts. Others may be reduced or prevented as recommended by your doctor, such as:
- loss of appetite
depression
hair loss or thinning
- blisters
- Excessive saliva
- Purple spots on the skin
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue, weakness
- The most common harmful effects are ear and kidney toxicity. This toxicity is more common in patients with serum levels exceeding 2 micrograms/milliliter. Patients with kidney failure are at higher risk of increased toxicity.
- Using Gentamicin with birth control pills
- Remember, Gentamicin interacts with
contraceptive drugs
and may cause
unplanned pregnancy. Therefore, it is recommended to use other contraception methods, like condoms, while taking Gentamicin under medical supervision.Note:If you become pregnant unexpectedly while taking Gentamicin, see your doctor immediately.Gentamicin use during pregnancy
One common question is whether Gentamicin can be used during pregnancy; keep in mind that Gentamicin can harm the fetus, so it should not be used during pregnancy.
Using Gentamicin while breastfeeding
No definitive results are available yet about its effects on infants, so consult your doctor before use.
What other medicines can affect Gentamicin use?
Gentamicin can damage the kidneys, especially when combined with certain drugs such as antiviral medications, chemotherapy, other antibiotics, intestinal drugs, anti-rejection drugs, injectable drugs, and some other medications.
Osteoarthritis or joint inflammation (including aspirin, Tylenol, Advil).
Pregnancy
Use of Gentamicin during pregnancyDetermining Gentamicin dosageDosage should be prescribed by a doctor
