Gentamicin Tips from Pharmacists

• Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions carefully if you are administering gentamicin at home. The length of your treatment will depend on the infection being treated. Do not stop taking gentamicin until your doctor tells you to, even if you feel well. Stopping treatment too soon may cause your infection to come back and be harder to treat in the future.

• Seek immediate medical care if you develop any signs of ototoxicity, such as dizziness, ringing in the ears, or hearing loss.

• Tell your doctor without delay if you develop any urinary symptoms or signs of kidney problems.

• Keep all your medical and laboratory appointments while receiving gentamicin. Your doctor will want to order certain tests to monitor for serious side effects.

• Antibacterial agents like gentamicin are not effective against viruses. Do not take antibiotics for viral infections such as the flu and common cold. This can result in antibiotic resistance.

• Gentamicin may increase risk of serious harm to an unborn baby if used by a pregnant woman. Talk to your doctor about appropriate birth control while on this drug.