TREATMENT DOSE Gentamicin Policy

Use SAPG Gentamicin dosage calculator when prescribing Gentamicin for treatment dose. Always take a gentamicin level after the first dose as per calculator instructions. 

 

DO NOT use the gentamicin calculator when prescribing for prophylaxis only or synergistic use - See either surgical prophylaxis guidelines or synergistic dosing guideline

 

 

Only if the calculator is unavailable then SAPG policy below gives dosing and monitoring guidance:

NHS GGC Gentamicin Policy

The first dose should be given as per this table:

Give the recommended dose by IV infusion in 100 mL sodium chloride 0.9% over 30 minutes

Caution: If the patient weighs < 40 kg and CrCl is ≥ 21 mL/min, give a single dose of 5 mg/kg then take a
sample 6 – 14 hours after the dose

Note that patients who have unusual clinical characteristics, such as weight < 40 kg, weight >120 kg, age
>90 years may require dose adjustments and require close monitoring. Contact pharmacy for advice

 

Gentamicin monotherapy should only be used for targeted therapy for confirmed Gram negative infection of urinary source or on infection specialist advice, but its duration should continue to be limited and IV to oral switch optimised to reduce risk of toxicity.

Gentamicin can cause significant renal and ototoxicity - inform patients to monitor for signs and symptoms of renal and ototoxicity when prescribing. See Gentamicin chart for further information. 

Always seek advice from infection specialist if gentamicin is required beyond 3-4 days