Gentamicin

• Mechanism of Action
• Inhibits protein synthesis by binding to the 30s ribosomal subunit, resulting in inaccurate mRNA translation.
• • Microbiology
  • Active against Pseudomonas and most Enterobacteriaciae.

Clinical Use

• • Indications
  • Gram negative septicaemia
  • Directed therapy for severe and susceptible respiratory infections, UTI, skin infections, osteomyelitis or peritonitis
• • Adverse Effects
  • Nephrotoxicity – reversible, higher risk with poor renal function
  • Ototoxicity –  irreversible vestibular and auditory dysfunction
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Hypersensitivity reactions
• • Monitoring
  • To ensure therapeutic levels and prevent toxic levels:
  • Clinically – monitor for ataxia and hearing loss
  • Bloods – monitor serum gentamicin levels and creatinine / urea