Gentamicin

Information about Gentamicin

Gentamicin uses

Gentamicin is used in the treatment of bacterial infections.

How gentamicin works

Gentamicin is an antibiotic. It stops bacterial growth by preventing synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions.

Common side effects of gentamicin

Hearing loss, Joint pain, Headache, Breathlessness, Vomiting, Nausea, Fever, High blood pressure, Edema (swelling), Thrombophlebitis, Confusion, Depression, Drowsiness, Lethargy, Myasthenia gravis, Numbness, Paresthesia (tingling or pricking sensation), Peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness of feet and hand), Seizure, Vertigo, Hair loss, Urticaria, Decreased calcium level in blood, Weight loss, Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea, Decreased appetite, Enterocolitis, Urinary casts, Low urine output, Protein in urine, Renal toxicity, Agranulocytosis (deficiency of granulocytes in the blood), Anemia (low number of red blood cells), Hepatomegaly (enlarged liver), Increased liver enzymes, Hypersensitivity, Muscle cramp, Muscle weakness, Visual disturbance, Ringing in ear, Decreased creatinine clearance, Respiratory depression, Increased reticulocytes, Low blood platelets, Pulmonary fibrosis, Enlarged spleen, Laryngeal edema, Gastrointestinal bleeding

Available Medicine for Gentamicin

  • ₹4 to ₹49
    Abbott
    6 variant(s)
  • ₹4 to ₹18
    Mercury Laboratories Ltd
    3 variant(s)
  • ₹4 to ₹60
    Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
    4 variant(s)
  • ₹8 to ₹29
    Marck Biosciences Ltd
    2 variant(s)
  • ₹4 to ₹11
    Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd
    2 variant(s)
  • ₹115
    Kinesis Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
    1 variant(s)
  • ₹8
    Dermo Care Laboratories
    1 variant(s)
  • ₹14 to ₹54
    Laborate Pharmaceuticals India Ltd
    2 variant(s)
  • ₹7
    Alive Pharmaceutical Pvt Ltd
    1 variant(s)
  • ₹5 to ₹38
    Wockhardt Ltd
    2 variant(s)

Expert advice for Gentamicin

  • Your doctor has prescribed Gentamicin to cure your infection and improve your symptoms.
  • Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection to come back and harder to treat.
  • It is given as a drip (intravenous infusion) or as an injection directly into a vein or a muscle. 
  • Use caution while driving or doing anything that requires concentration as Gentamicin may cause dizziness.
  • Your doctor may get regular blood, urine, or hearing tests while you are on this medication.
  • Your doctor will ensure that you are well hydrated before and during treatment with this medicine. 
  • Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding.
  • Discontinue Gentamicin and inform your doctor immediately if you get a rash, itchy skin, swelling of face and mouth, or have difficulty in breathing.

Frequently asked questions for Gentamicin

Gentamicin

Q. What is Gentamicin? What is it used for?
Gentamicin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial skin infections. It may also be used to treat infected cuts and wounds. Gentamicin stops the growth of bacteria, which helps to resolve the symptoms.
Q. Is Gentamicin effective?
Gentamicin is effective if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you see improvement in your condition. If you stop using Gentamicin too early, the symptoms may return or worsen.
Q. How to use Gentamicin?
Before using Gentamicin, clean and dry the affected area. Gently and thoroughly massage it into the skin. Be careful not to get the medication in your eyes or mouth. If Gentamicin gets in your eyes accidentally, wash with plenty of water and call your doctor if your eyes are irritated.
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Q. What precautions do I need to take while using Gentamicin?
Be careful not to get Gentamicin into your eyes or mouth. If you happen to get it in your eyes, rinse off with plenty of water immediately and contact your doctor. You must not use Gentamicin if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients. Tell your doctor if you notice any allergic reaction while using it for the first time. Inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines regularly to prevent any allergic reaction with other medicines. Do not cover the area being treated with Gentamicin with a bandage, as this may increase absorption of this medicine and increase the side effects. Do not use more than what is recommended to relieve your symptoms faster. Using more than what is advised will only increase the side effects. Let your doctor know if you are planning to conceive. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should use Gentamicin only if prescribed by the doctor.
Q. What should I do if I forget to use Gentamicin?
If you forget to use Gentamicin, do not worry and continue using Gentamicin as soon as you remember. However, if you are not sure and have any other doubts, please consult your doctor.
Q. Is Gentamicin safe?
Gentamicin is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and let your doctor know if any of the side effects bother you.

Content on this page was last updated on 13 June, 2023, by Dr. Varun Gupta (MD Pharmacology)