Gentamicin Injection

Mechanism of Action

Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that exerts its bactericidal effect by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit of bacterial ribosomes. This binding interferes with protein synthesis, leading to the formation of non-functional or truncated proteins, which ultimately compromises the integrity of the bacterial cell wall and results in bacterial death. Gentamicin is particularly effective against gram-negative bacteria and certain gram-positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus species.

Applications

Gentamicin injection is used to treat a wide range of serious bacterial infections, including:

• Blood infections (septicemia)
• Meningitis (infections of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord)
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Lung infections (e.g., bronchitis, pneumonia)
• Gastrointestinal tract infections
• Skin infections, including severe burns
• Bone and joint infections
• Endocarditis (infections of the heart and heart valves)
• It is also used for prophylaxis against surgical infections and in the treatment of infections in patients with cystic fibrosis. Gentamicin may be used in combination with other antibiotics to enhance its effectiveness against certain infections.

Dosage and Administration

The dosage of gentamicin injection varies based on the patient's age, weight, and renal function. General guidelines are as follows:

Adults:

• For serious infections: 3 mg/kg/day, divided into three equal doses every 8 hours.
• For life-threatening infections: 5 mg/kg/day, divided into three equal doses every 8 hours.
• Children:
• 6 to 7.5 mg/kg/day, divided into doses administered every 8 hours.
• Infants and Neonates:
• 7.5 mg/kg/day, divided into doses administered every 8 hours.
• Premature or full-term neonates one week of age or less: 5 mg/kg/day, divided into doses administered every 12 hours.
• Intravenous Administration:
• Gentamicin may be diluted in 50 to 200 mL of sterile isotonic saline solution or a sterile solution of 5% dextrose in water. The solution should be infused over a period of one-half to two hours.
• Patients with Impaired Renal Function:
• Dosage must be adjusted based on renal function. Serum gentamicin levels should be monitored to ensure therapeutic levels are achieved without causing toxicity.
• The usual duration of treatment is seven to ten days. In complicated infections, a longer course may be necessary, with close monitoring of renal and auditory functions.

Storage

Gentamicin injection should be stored at room temperature, typically between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F). It should be protected from freezing and kept in a dry place. If stored at home, it should be kept out of reach of children.