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WHAT IS IT?
Gentamicin (Garamycin): is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that is bactericidal.
WHEN DO WE USE IT?
Severe gram negative rod infections: This medication will cover the following microbes:
- Yersinia enterolitica
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Specific examples of infection: this medication is used for broad spectrum coverage to cover possible gram negative causes of infection.
- Urinary tract infections
- Meningitis in neonates
WHEN DO WE AVOID USING IT?
Gram negative bacteria: while this medication does have activity agianst gram positive bacteria, other medications are typically used due the toxicity of Gentamicin.
HOW IS IT ADMINISTERED?
Administered by IV or IM injection
![Source](http://www.stepwards.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/gentamicin.jpg)
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS/TOXICITY?
Ototoxicity: bilateral ototoxicity can be caused by this medication.
Nephrotoxicity is also a possible complication of this medication.
FURTHER READING
Page Updated: 09.01.2016