Pronunciation: GEN ta MYE sin

Brand: Garamycin

What is the most important information I should know about gentamicin?

Gentamicin can harm your kidneys, and may also cause nerve damage or hearing loss, especially if you have kidney disease or use certain other medicines.

Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all the medicines you are using. If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using gentamicin.

What is gentamicin?

Gentamicin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria.

Gentamicin is used to treat severe or serious bacterial infections.

Gentamicin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking gentamicin?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to gentamicin or similar antibiotics such as amikacin, kanamycin, neomycin, paromomycin, streptomycin, or tobramycin.

To make sure gentamicin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • kidney disease;
  • asthma or sulfite allergy;
  • myasthenia gravis;
  • a nerve-muscle disorder;
  • a nervous system disorder such as Parkinson's disease;
  • an electrolyte imbalance (low levels of calcium, potassium, or magnesium in your blood); or
  • if you are dehydrated.

Do not use gentamicin if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy during treatment.

It is not known whether gentamicin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How should I take gentamicin?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Gentamicin is usually given for 7 to 10 days.


Do not use gentamicin if it has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medication.

Do not mix gentamicin with other medicines in a syringe or IV bag.


Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Gentamicin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking gentamicin. This will help keep your kidneys working properly.

While using gentamicin, you may need frequent blood or urine tests. Your hearing, kidney function, and nerve function may also need to be checked.


Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of gentamicin.

What happens if I overdose?


What should I avoid while taking gentamicin?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

What are the possible side effects of gentamicin?


Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • hearing loss, or a roaring sound in your ears;
  • severe or ongoing dizziness;
  • weak or shallow breathing;
  • numbness or tingly feeling;
  • twitching, muscle tightness or contraction;
  • seizure (convulsions);
  • severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
  • fever, blisters or ulcers in your mouth, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing;
  • signs of an electrolyte imbalance --confusion, weakness, bone pain, increased urination; or
  • increased pressure inside the skull --severe headaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes.

Side effects may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects may include:

  • vision problems;
  • nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss;
  • itching or rash;
  • pain where the medicine was injected;
  • headache, mood changes; or
  • joint pain.


What other drugs will affect gentamicin?

Gentamicin can harm your kidneys. This effect is increased when you also use certain other medicines, including: antivirals, chemotherapy, injected antibiotics, medicine for bowel disorders, medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection, injectable osteoporosis medication, and some pain or arthritis medicines (including aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, and Aleve).


  • a diuretic or "water pill"; or
  • any other antibiotic.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with gentamicin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about gentamicin.



Copyright 1996-2015 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 2.01. Revision date: 3/10/2015.
