Gentamicin

About this leaflet

This leaflet provides important information about gentamicin, why it is being given to you, possible side effects, and how you can help ensure your treatment is safe and effective.

If you have any questions at any point, please speak to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

What is gentamicin?

Gentamicin is an antibiotic used to treat serious infections caused by bacteria.

Your doctor has chosen gentamicin because:

• It is effective against the bacteria causing your infection.
• It is effective at preventing an infection during your surgery.
• You are unable to take other antibiotics.
• It is needed in combination with other antibiotics for certain infections.

Gentamicin is well established and widely used in hospital settings.

How is gentamicin given?

Gentamicin is usually given by a nurse:

• Into a vein (IV) through a drip (most common).
• As an injection into a muscle (less common).

Your dose is carefully calculated and depends on:

• Your age.
• Your weight.
• How well your kidneys work.
• The type of infection you have.

You may receive gentamicin once or twice daily, depending on your treatment plan.

What are the possible side effects?

Like all medicines, gentamicin can cause side effects. The most important ones involve your ears and kidneys.

Effects on the ears (rare)

Gentamicin can occasionally damage the inner ear. This may cause:

• Dizziness or loss of balance.
• Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus).
• Hearing loss.

In some cases, these effects may not fully recover.

The risk is slightly higher in people with mitochondrial disease.

Effects on the kidneys

Gentamicin is removed by the kidneys. In some people it can reduce kidney function.

You may not notice this yourself, which is why:

• You will have regular blood tests.
• Your gentamicin levels will be measured to keep them safe.

How is the risk of side effects reduced?

Your healthcare team uses several measures to keep your treatment safe:

• Carefully calculated doses. Tailored specifically to you.
• Regular blood tests. To check kidney function and ensure early detection of any changes.
• Monitoring gentamicin levels. Blood samples help ensure you remain in the safe range.
• Medicine interaction checks. Your pharmacist reviews your other medicines to avoid harmful combinations.

Gentamicin is only used when the benefits outweigh any potential risks.

What can you do to help?

Before starting gentamicin, tell your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you:

• Have mitochondrial disease.
• Have myasthenia gravis.
• Have kidney problems.
• Have a family history of hearing loss.
• Are pregnant or think you may be.
• Take any other medicines, including:
• Over-the-counter medicines.
• Herbal or complementary remedies.
• Vitamins or supplements.

Gentamicin interacts with some medicines, so this information is essential.

During treatment, tell your healthcare team immediately if you notice:

• Dizziness or difficulty keeping your balance.
• Ringing in your ears.
• Hearing loss.
• Passing less urine than normal.

These symptoms may indicate early side effects and should be assessed promptly.

Stay well hydrated

Drink plenty of water and fluids to help protect your kidneys while you are receiving gentamicin.

Where can I get more information?

If you have any questions, please speak to:

• Your doctor.
• Your nurse.
• Your ward pharmacist.

A manufacturer’s information leaflet is also available in every gentamicin box.

You can ask your nurse for a copy or view it online at: www.medicines.org.uk

Patient Experience Team (PET)

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you would like to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Team who will help you to do this.

This service is based at the University Hospital of North Tees and at James Cook University Hospital but also covers The University Hospital of Hartlepool, The Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.

Out of Hours
If you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard (numbers below).