Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It is typically used to treat infections of the skin, respiratory tract, urinary tract, and joints. Gentamicin can also be used to treat certain types of meningitis. Gentamicin is usually given intravenously or intramuscularly. The most common side effects of gentamicin are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other side effects include dizziness, headache, and rash. Gentamicin is generally well-tolerated. However, it can cause serious side effects, including kidney damage, hearing loss, and muscle weakness. Gentamicin should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease or other conditions that may predispose them to kidney damage. Gentamicin should also be used with caution in pregnant women and in young children.
The most important thing to monitor when taking gentamicin is kidney function. Gentamicin can cause kidney damage, and patients with kidney disease or other conditions that may predispose them to kidney damage are at increased risk for this side effect. Patients should have their kidney function monitored closely during treatment with gentamicin. Gentamicin should be used with caution in patients with hearing loss or other conditions that may predispose them to hearing loss. Patients should have their hearing checked before and during treatment with gentamicin. Gentamicin can also cause muscle weakness. Patients should be monitored for this side effect and should report any muscle weakness to their healthcare provider.