- Class
- Aminoglycosides
- Body system
- Anti-infectives
- Brand names
- Garamycin
- Therapeutic level
- Traditional dosing: trough commonly below 2 mcg/mL; peak targets depend on the infection.
What is Gentamicin used for?
- Serious gram-negative infections (Pseudomonas, E. coli, Klebsiella)
- Endocarditis (in combination)
- Neonatal sepsis
How Gentamicin works
Aminoglycoside: binds the bacterial 30S ribosome and blocks protein synthesis (bactericidal).
Common side effects
- Nephrotoxicity
- Ototoxicity: hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo
- Neuromuscular blockade
Report right away
- Ringing in the ears, hearing loss, dizziness or unsteady walking
- Decreased urine output
- Numbness or muscle weakness
Nursing considerations for Gentamicin
- Monitor peak and trough levels as ordered (traditional dosing commonly targets a trough below 2 mcg/mL; extended-interval dosing uses different targets).
- Monitor BUN, creatinine, urine output and hearing; keep the patient well hydrated.
- Toxicity is more likely with loop diuretics, vancomycin and other nephrotoxic drugs.
Patient teaching
- Drink fluids unless restricted.
- Report hearing or balance changes right away: damage can be permanent.
This card does not list doses. Use the prescriber's order, the product label and a current drug reference for dosing, and follow your facility's policies.
Aminoglycosides practice questions
NCLEX-style questions on the class Gentamicin belongs to.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
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Which finding should be reported immediately in a patient receiving gentamicin?
Show answer
Answer A: Tinnitus Ringing in the ears can signal ototoxicity, which can become permanent.
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A trough level is high in a patient receiving gentamicin. Which risk is increased?
Show answer
Answer A: Nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity High troughs mean the drug is not clearing between doses, which raises the risk of kidney and ear toxicity.
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Which drug, given with gentamicin, increases the risk of ototoxicity?
Show answer
Answer C: Furosemide Loop diuretics are also ototoxic; the combination increases the risk.
Frequently asked questions
What is Gentamicin used for?
Serious gram-negative infections (Pseudomonas, E. coli, Klebsiella); Endocarditis (in combination); Neonatal sepsis.
What drug class is Gentamicin?
Gentamicin belongs to the class aminoglycosides. Aminoglycoside: binds the bacterial 30S ribosome and blocks protein synthesis (bactericidal).
What are the nursing considerations for Gentamicin?
Monitor peak and trough levels as ordered (traditional dosing commonly targets a trough below 2 mcg/mL; extended-interval dosing uses different targets). Monitor BUN, creatinine, urine output and hearing; keep the patient well hydrated.
What should patients report while taking Gentamicin?
ringing in the ears, hearing loss, dizziness or unsteady walking; decreased urine output; numbness or muscle weakness.