About gentamicin as sulphate
Aminoglycoside antibiotic
Used for
- Treats serious infections caused by susceptible bacteria, including some bloodstream, urinary, abdominal, and bone infections.
- May be used for severe infections alongside other antibiotics.
Usual adult dose
Usually 5–7 mg/kg by injection once daily, adjusted for kidney function and blood levels; dosing varies by infection.
Usual dose in children
Dosing is weight-based and varies by age, infection, kidney function, and local guidance; specialist supervision is required.
Common side effects
- Kidney damage, sometimes reversible
- Hearing or balance damage, potentially permanent
- Nausea or rash
- Injection-site pain
Important warnings
- Requires careful dosing and monitoring, especially kidney function and sometimes blood levels.
- Risk of hearing or balance damage increases with prolonged treatment, high levels, or kidney impairment.
- Use caution with dehydration, kidney disease, older age, or medicines that harm kidneys or hearing.
- Can cause muscle weakness or breathing problems, especially with neuromuscular disorders or certain anesthetics.
Pregnancy
May harm the developing baby’s hearing; use during pregnancy only when clearly needed under specialist supervision.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts may enter breast milk; infant absorption is usually low, but monitor for diarrhea or thrush.
Interactions
- Other kidney- or hearing-damaging medicines, including vancomycin and some diuretics
- Neuromuscular blockers and some anesthetics may increase muscle weakness or breathing problems
- Other aminoglycoside antibiotics may increase toxicity
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.