WARNING

Serious kidney issues could result from gentamicin use. Older folks or those who are dehydrated may be more likely to experience kidney issues. Inform your doctor if you currently have kidney disease or have ever had it. Make a quick call to your doctor if you encounter any of the following signs: Reduced urination, facial, arm, hand, foot, ankle, or lower leg edema, unusual fatigue, or weakness are more symptoms to watch out for.

Serious hearing issues could be brought on by gentamicin. It’s possible that older folks are more prone to hearing issues. Some hearing loss could be irreversible. Inform your physician if you experience or have ever experienced vertigo, hearing loss, or ringing in the ears. Dial your doctor right away if you develop hearing loss, roaring or ringing in your ears, or dizziness.

Nerve issues could be caused by gentamicin. Inform your doctor if you have or have ever experienced muscle twitching, weakness, or seizures, as well as burning or tingling in your hands, arms, feet, or legs.

If you take specific prescription or over-the-counter medications, your risk of developing severe kidney, hearing, or other problems increases. Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking acyclovir (Zovirax, Sitavig); amphotericin (Abelcet, Ambisome, Amphotec); capreomycin (Capastat); certain cephalosporin antibiotics such as cefazolin (Ancef, Kefzol), cefixime (Suprax), or cephalexin (Keflex); cisplatin; colistin (Coly-Mycin S); cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Restasis, Sandimmune); diuretics (‘water pills’) such as bumetanide, ethacrynic acid (Edecrin), furosemide (Lasix), or torsemide (Demadex). Other aminoglycoside medications include polymyxin B, amikacin, kanamycin, neomycin (Neo-Fradin), paromomycin, streptomycin, and tobramycin. You might not be given a gentamicin injection, according to your doctor.

In case you are expecting a child, tell your doctor right away. Please contact your doctor right away if you find out you’re pregnant while taking gentamicin injectable. The fetus might be harmed by gentamicin.

Do not miss any of your doctor’s or lab appointments. Prior to and throughout treatment, your doctor will prescribe certain tests, such as hearing evaluations, to monitor how your body is responding to gentamicin.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Garamycin I.V. is a brand name for the medication gentamicin sulfate, which belongs to the class of antibiotics known as aminoglycosides. It is commonly prescribed to treat serious bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms.

How should this medicine be used?

Garamycin I.V. is typically used when the infection is severe, involves multiple systems, or when other antibiotics have proven ineffective. It can be prescribed to treat infections in various parts of the body, including the respiratory tract, urinary tract, bloodstream, bones, joints, and skin.

The administration of Garamycin I.V. is typically done in a healthcare setting, such as a hospital or clinic. The medication is usually given through an intravenous (IV) infusion or an intramuscular (IM) injection. The dosage and duration of treatment will depend on the specific infection being treated, the patient’s weight, kidney function, and other individual factors.

Other uses for this medicine

While Garamycin I.V. (gentamicin sulfate) is primarily used to treat bacterial infections, there may be some off-label or investigational uses of the medication. However, it’s important to note that any use of Garamycin I.V. beyond its approved indications should be discussed with and prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Some of the potential off-label uses of Garamycin I.V. may include the treatment of certain types of eye infections, certain types of meningitis, and as a prophylactic measure during surgical procedures.

What special precautions should I follow?

When using Garamycin I.V., it is essential to take certain precautions to ensure safe and effective treatment. Here are some general precautions to consider:

• Allergies: Inform your healthcare provider if you have any known allergies to gentamicin or other aminoglycoside antibiotics, as well as any other allergies or sensitivities you may have.
• Kidney function: Gentamicin is primarily eliminated by the kidneys, so it is important to monitor kidney function during treatment, especially if you have pre-existing kidney problems. Your healthcare provider may order blood tests to assess kidney function periodically.
• Hearing and balance: Gentamicin can potentially cause irreversible damage to the inner ear, leading to hearing loss or balance problems. If you experience any changes in your hearing, such as ringing in the ears or difficulty hearing, or if you have dizziness or loss of balance, notify your healthcare provider immediately.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, as the use of Garamycin I.V. during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be carefully evaluated and monitored.
• Other medications: Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Certain medications may interact with Garamycin I.V., potentially affecting its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Garamycin I.V. (gentamicin sulfate) is typically administered intravenously or intramuscularly, and it is not usually associated with specific dietary instructions. However, it’s important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist regarding any dietary considerations that may be relevant to your specific situation. They can provide you with personalized advice based on your medical condition, other medications you may be taking, and any dietary restrictions or recommendations that may apply to you.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget a dose of Garamycin I.V., it is important to notify your healthcare provider or healthcare team as soon as possible. They will be able to guide you on the appropriate course of action based on your specific circumstances. Depending on the timing and the importance of the missed dose, they may advise you to receive the dose as soon as you remember or to adjust the subsequent dosing schedule. It’s crucial not to double up on doses unless specifically instructed by your healthcare provider, as this may increase the risk of side effects or complications.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Garamycin I.V. (gentamicin sulfate) is an antibiotic medication that belongs to the class of aminoglycosides. Like any medication, it can cause side effects. Some of the common side effects associated with Garamycin I.V. may include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain or discomfort
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Skin rash or itching
• Injection site reactions (with intramuscular administration)
• Increased sensitivity to sound (ototoxicity)
• Kidney problems or changes in kidney function
• Allergic reactions (rare but serious)

It’s important to note that not everyone will experience these side effects, and some individuals may experience different or more severe side effects. Additionally, there may be other rare or serious side effects that are not listed here.

If you experience any concerning or persistent side effects while using Garamycin I.V., it is crucial to inform your healthcare provider or seek medical attention. They can assess your symptoms, determine the appropriate course of action, and provide further guidance.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Here’s what you should know about its storage and disposal:

• Storage: Garamycin I.V. should be stored at room temperature, generally between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius (68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Keep the medication away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Avoid freezing the medication, as it may affect its effectiveness.
• Disposal: When it comes to disposing of Garamycin I.V. or any other medication, it is important to follow proper guidelines to ensure safety and environmental protection.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of an emergency or overdose with Garamycin I.V., it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Contact your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room. Be sure to provide as much information as possible about the medication and the situation.

What other information should I know?

It’s important to note that the information provided here is general in nature, and it’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or pharmacist for specific instructions and guidance regarding the storage, disposal, and management of Garamycin I.V. or any other medication. They can provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information based on your individual circumstances.