Have you ever had a serious bacterial infection and the doctor said, "We need to give you a strong injection for this?" Gentamicin is a powerful antibiotic injection that we are given at such times. It is not just a medicine. Therefore, it is very important to know exactly what this injection is, how it works, and what we need to be careful about.
Simply put, what is Gentamicin?
Gentamicin is a type of antibiotic . To be precise, its job is to kill or stop the growth of certain types of bacteria that can cause disease in our bodies. Think of our bodies as a country. The bacteria that cause disease are like the enemies that invade that country. Gentamicin is like a specially trained commando who is used to destroy these enemies.
But here is something very important that we all need to understand. This medicine only works for bacterial infections . It will not cure viral infections like the common cold, flu, and cough that you get. Therefore, it is never a good idea to use this kind of medicine without a doctor's recommendation.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting the Gentamicin vaccine
This is the most important part. Since Gentamicin is a very strong drug, it may not be compatible with some conditions in your body. Therefore, if any of the following applies to you, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
| Situation you need to report | Why is that? A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Having any hearing impairment or a family history of such | Gentamicin can sometimes affect hearing, so if you or someone in your family has hearing problems, it's important to let your doctor know. |
| Having kidney disease | Our kidneys act as a filter in our body. This medicine is removed from the body through the kidneys. So if the kidneys are weak, the medicine can accumulate in the body and cause side effects. |
| Neurological diseases such as myasthenia gravis or Parkinson's | These are diseases that affect muscle strength. Gentamicin may increase muscle weakness. |
| Allergy to Gentamicin or other medications or foods | If you have had a previous allergic reaction to this medicine or any other antibiotic like it, it can be life-threatening. So be sure to tell your doctor about it. |
| Being pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | There have been reports that this medication can affect the baby's hearing during pregnancy. Therefore, in such cases, you should carefully discuss the risks with your doctor. |
How do you use this medicine?
Gentamicin injection is usually given to you by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic. It is injected into a muscle or into a vein .
However, in very rare cases, you may be advised to receive this vaccine at home. If this is the case, you will be given proper training on how to prepare and inject it properly.
- Take your medication on time: It is important to take your medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Complete the course: Even if you feel better, take the medicine for the full prescribed number of days until your doctor tells you to stop. Otherwise, the infection may come back.
- Used needles and syringes: Never throw these in the trash. Put them in a sharps container. If you don't have one, ask your doctor about how to get one.
If you think you have accidentally taken more than the prescribed dose, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Other medications that may interact with Gentamicin
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, as some medications can cause adverse effects when taken with Gentamicin.
| Drug category | Examples |
|---|---|
| This medicine should never be taken with | |
| Antiviral drugs | Cidofovir |
| Other medications that may cause interactions | |
| Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications | Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen (NSAIDs) |
| Diuretics | Such as Furosemide (Lasix) |
| Some anti-cancer drugs | Cisplatin |
| Other antibiotics and antifungals | Vancomycin, Amphotericin B |
| Immune-suppressing drugs | Cyclosporine |
This list is not complete, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the vitamins, herbal products, and other medications you are taking.
What are the things to be careful about while taking the medicine?
- Pay attention to symptoms: If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, tell your doctor right away.
- Blood tests: Your doctor may order blood tests to check your kidney function and the level of the medicine in your blood while you are taking this medicine. This is very important.
- Hearing test: You may want to have your hearing tested before starting the medication and while taking it. If you experience ringing in your ears, loss of hearing, or dizziness, tell your doctor right away.
- Diarrhea: If your diarrhea lasts more than two days and is severe and watery, tell your doctor . Do not take over-the-counter medications.
Side effects of the medicine
Like all medications, Gentamicin can cause side effects. While some are common, there are some serious side effects that we should be very concerned about.
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Hearing problems | Ringing in the ears, hearing loss, dizziness. |
| Kidney injury | Decreased urine output, swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles. |
| Nervous system problems | Numbness or pain in the limbs, muscle weakness, difficulty walking, seizures. |
| Severe diarrhea | If your stomach is very watery, or you have diarrhea along with a fever. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | |
| Appetite | |
| Nausea | |
| A common skin rash | |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned on this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
Take-Home Message
- Gentamicin is a powerful antibiotic used only for severe bacterial infections.
- Before starting this treatment, it is imperative to inform your doctor about all medical conditions you have (especially kidney and hearing problems) and all medications you are taking.
- If you experience symptoms such as hearing loss, ringing in the ears, decreased urination, or swelling of the limbs while taking the medicine , inform your doctor immediately.
- Even if you feel better, be sure to finish the entire course of medication prescribed by your doctor.
- If you have any problems or doubts, never hesitate to ask your doctor.
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