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Gentamicin: Antibiotic for Resistant Bacterial Infections in Pets
Aminoglycoside antibiotic used in serious or resistant infections.
Summary
Used For:
Infections
Brands:
GentaMax
Species:
Dogs and cats
Other names:
Gentocin, Garasol, Garacin
Drug type:
Antibiotic
Prescription required:
Yes
Pregnancy and lactation:
Not for use in pregnant or nursing animals.
Side effects:
Kidney damage, hearing loss, vestibular disorder, facial swelling, GI upset, liver disorders
General description
Gentamicin is an antibiotic with broad spectrum of activity against gram-negative, aerobic bacteria. Gentamicin is used frequently in veterinary medicine to treat infections that are resistant to other antibiotics. Aminoglycosides are usually administered in a hospital setting as it is given via injection or infusion. Use with care as bacterial resistance to Gentamicin is developing.
While many medications are often administered for ‘off-label’ or 'extra-label' use in veterinary medicine, it is important to know that off- or extra- label use of a medication can only be done by a veterinarian when there are no other more appropriate medications for a particular pet's circumstances. Your veterinarian must also know all vitamins, supplements, medications etc. your pet is taking to help avoid complications. You must also be sure to follow all instructions provided by your vet carefully and consult your veterinarian with any questions or concerns if they arise.
Uses
Infections caused by gram-negative bacteria
How it works
Gentamicin works by inhibiting bacterial replication by preventing the bacteria from making proteins. It works best at killing staphylococcal and gram-negative bacteria in the enterobacteriaceae family.
Dosage
Dogs: 9 - 14 milligrams per kilogram of body weight given subcutaneously, intravenously or intramuscularly every 24 hours.
Cats: 5 - 8 milligrams per kilogram of body weight given subcutaneously, intravenously or intramuscularly every 24 hours.
*Information provided above outlines what a typical dose might look like. Always consult your veterinarian on the appropriate dose for your specific animal when using any vitamin, supplement, off-label or prescription products. Some vets may prescribe outside of these ranges based on specific needs of the patient.
Forms
Gentamicin injectable solution is available in a 50 or 100 milligrams of gentamicin per milliliter concentration.
Storage information & handling
Injectable gentamicin can be stored at room temperature.
What results can I expect?
Assuming that the infection being treated is susceptible to gentamicin, resolution of the infection should occur during the treatment period.
Missed Dosage
If a dose is missed, continue with the next dosage at the scheduled time.
Overdose / acute toxicity
Early signs of toxicity include loss of hearing and balance or vomiting. May see symptoms of kidney disease including increased or decreased drinking, lack of appetite, vomiting, depression, coma and death.
Side effects
May include:
- Kidney damage
- Hearing loss
- Vestibular (balance) disorders
- Facial swelling
- Pain at injection site
- Allergic reactions
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Blood disorders
- Liver disorders
Contraindications
- Do not use in animals hypersensitive (allergic) to aminoglycosides.
- Ineffective against most anaerobic bacteria (those that can live without oxygen).
- Do not use in animals who require their hearing to perform their work (military dogs, police dogs, seeing eye dogs, hearing dogs, etc.) as hearing or vestibular (balance) impairment may not be reversible.
- Do not use in animals with kidney disease as this group of medications may worsen the disease if present.
- Not for use in pregnant or nursing animals.
- Not for use in animals with myasthenia gravis or other neuromuscular disorders.
- Not for use in animals with fever or dehydration.
Drug interactions
Do not use with diuretics as it increases the risk of kidney damage.
Do not use in combination with other aminoglycosides.
Do not use with other products that may cause hearing loss, vestibular disease or kidney disease.
Do not use with general anesthetics.
Precaution
Gentamicin is not safe to use during pregnancy and lactation.
Sources
Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs
Disclaimer
The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.