Name
- Gentamicin.
Class of drug
- Aminoglycoside antibiotic.
Uses
Action
- An aminoglycoside antibiotic which is bactericidal.
- Binds to the bacterial 30S ribosome.
- The bactericidal action is thought, in part, to be due to formation of abnormal cell membrane channels by misread proteins.
- The aminoglycosides produce concentration-dependent killing and marked post-antibiotic effect.
Indications
- The aminoglycosides as a class are more active against gram-negative bacteria, but some staphylococcal
and streptococcal (fecalis) species are sensitive. - All obligate anaerobic bacteria and many hemolytic streptococci are resistant.
- When used for broad-spectrum coverage of serious infections, gentamicin is usually given in conjunction with a penicillin and/or metronidazole .
- Aminoglycosides are more active in an alkaline environment.
- Their use in domestic animals is limited by nephrotoxicity and less commonly, ototoxicity and neuromuscular blockade.
- Microbial resistance is a concern, although some bacteria resistant to gentamicin may be susceptible to amikacin .
Ineffective in low oxygen sites, eg abscesses, exudates, because oxygen is required for ATP-dependent bacterial uptake.
