Aminoglycosides

Streptomycin (Ambistryn), Gentamicin (Genticyn), Kanamycin (Kancin), Netilmicin (Netromycin), Amikacin (Mikacin) and Tobramycin (Tobacin) are aminoglycosides. All of them are injectables and not effective orally. Gentamicin is a commonly used drug for infection. It is a valuable drug for prevention and treatment of lung infection in hospitals and to treat reisistant infections of kidney and urinary passages, meningitis and heart infections. It is available as injection (20 mg/ml) and eye/ear drops 0.1 %. Streptomycin is used in Tuberculosis only. Other prescription drugs have special uses.

Adverse Effects of Gentamicin (and other Aminoglycosides): The most important adverse effects of gentamicin are felt on the ears, muscles and the kidneys. It causes hearing defects and frequently damages the nerves to the vestibular apparatus (an apparatus in the ear responsible for maintaining the equilibrium of the body). The earliest symptoms of these adverse effects are headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Due to its toxic effect on the kidneys it may cause a condition similar to acute renal failure. To minimize these disadvantages, doses are kept low but this leads to bacterial resistance and if kidneys are functioning properly the dose is reduced proportionately. Skeletal muscle weakness may be there in high doses.

Precautions

1. Due to its toxic nature it should be taken only when other antibiotics are ineffective.
2. It should be taken in correct doses, as low doses may cause bacterial resistance and high doses may cause kidney damage.
3. It should not be taken during pregnancy.
4. The drug should be stopped the doctor informed if there are any symptoms of allergy.
5. It should not be used along with drugs potentially toxic to the kidneys, such as cephalosporins, polymyxins, ethacrynic acid, or furosemide.