Gentamicin solution for injection
Gentamicin solution for injection
What is this medicine?
GENTAMICIN (jen ta MYE sin) is an aminoglycoside antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for injection into a muscle or infusion into a vein. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.
It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing problems
changes in hearing
confused, dizzy, disoriented
fever
loss of balance
muscle twitch
numb, tingling pain
redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
seizures
trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusually weak or tired
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
diarrhea
headache
nausea, vomiting
pain at site where injected
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
cidofovir
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
acyclovir
birth control pills
cisplatin
colistin
cyclosporine
diuretics
foscarnet
ganciclovir
medicines used during surgery for sleep or muscle relaxation
other antibiotics
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
If you are using this medicine at home, you will be instructed on how to store this medicine. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
balance problems
hearing problems
kidney disease
myasthenia gravis
Parkinson's disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to gentamicin, aminoglycosides, other medicines, sulfites, foods, dyes or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.
Tell your doctor or health care professional if you have any hearing problems or problems passing urine.
Updated:  
July 17, 2018