This medication is used alone or with other medications to prevent certain infections or to treat a wide variety of serious bacterial infections. Gentamicin belongs to a class of drugs known as aminoglycoside antibiotics. It works by killing the bacteria that causes the infection.
|
|
|
| | Garamycin Pediatric
images:
|
Overview | Photos | How
To Use | Side
Effects | Precautions | Missed
Dose | Drug
Interactions | |
Garamycin Pediatric
Uses
This medication is used alone or with other medications to prevent certain infections or to treat a wide variety of serious bacterial infections. Gentamicin belongs to a class of drugs known as aminoglycoside antibiotics. It works by killing the bacteria that causes the infection. Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.This medication is prescribed for your current infection only.
- Do not use it later for another infection.
- A different medication may be needed in that case.
Storage
- Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light.
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
How
To Use - This medication is usually given by injection into a vein or a muscle (every 6 hours to once a day) or exactly as directed by your doctor.Dosage is based on the kind of infection, your weight, kidney function, medical condition, gentamicin blood levels, and response to treatment.This medication may be used either in the hospital or in the home supervised by an infusion service.
- This medicine is available in several types of vials.
- Follow the medicine package instructions exactly for mixing and giving this medication.
- Before mixing the solution, check it for cloudiness or particles.
- Check the medication again after it has been mixed with the dilution fluid in the IV bag.
- If cloudiness or particles are present at any time, do not use the liquid.
- Do not mix this antibiotic with any other antibiotics in the same IV bag.
- Do not give this medication through the same IV tubing with another antibiotic at the same time or afterward unless told to do so by your pharmacist.Learn how to give this medicine using sterile methods.
- Dispose of all needles and injection equipment in appropriate containers provided by your pharmacy or home infusion company.
- For more information, ask your pharmacist or home infusion nurse.This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level.
- Therefore, use this drug at evenly spaced intervals.
- To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.Do not use more or less of this drug than prescribed unless directed to do so by your doctor.
- Do not stop this medication before you complete the prescribed time for treatment, even if you feel better.
- Skipping, changing your dose, or not completing the whole treatment course without approval from your doctor may cause the infection to get worse or make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant).Tell your doctor immediately if your infection symptoms return (e.g., fever, chills, body aches) while using this medication or after stopping it.
Side
Effects - See also Warning section.Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, or loss of appetite may occur.
- Pain/irritation/redness may occur at the injection site.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: persistent diarrhea even after stopping this medication.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: tingling, severely rigid muscles, muscle weakness, confusion, headache, unusual shakiness, sluggishness, blurred vision.Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection.
- Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
- However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before using gentamicin injection, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g., tobramycin, amikacin); or if you are allergic to sulfites; or if you have any other allergies.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, hearing problems, immune system problems, dehydration, nausea/vomiting, low blood minerals (e.g., potassium, magnesium, calcium), myasthenia gravis, Parkinson's disease, burns over a large area of skin, cystic fibrosis.Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may have decreased kidney function due to aging and may, therefore, be more sensitive to the kidney and hearing side effects.Gentamicin is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
- Consult your doctor for more details.This drug passes into breast milk.
- It is generally considered safe to breastfeed while using this medication.
- However, since this medication is frequently used with other medications, consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Missed
Dose - If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
- If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
- Do not double the dose to catch up.
Drug
Interactions - See also Warning section.Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.This drug should not be used with the following medication because very serious interactions may occur: agalsidase.This drug should not be used with certain live bacterial vaccines (e.g., BCG, typhoid) because they may not be effective.If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting gentamicin.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: other antibiotics commonly used with gentamicin (e.g., cephalosporins such as ceftriaxone or ceftazidime, penicillins such as piperacillin or ticarcillin), amphotericin B, neuromuscular blockers (e.g., vecuronium, succinylcholine).
|
CONDITIONS
OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information
is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions
or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular
drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional
should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or
discontinuing any course of treatment. |