Information for adult patients about Intravenous Gentamicin

NHS Borders 

Borders General Hospital
Huntlyburn Terrace
Melrose
TD6 9BS

Why have I been given this leaflet?

This leaflet gives you some important information about a medicine called gentamicin to help you to:

• be more involved in your treatment
• understand why we take blood samples
• be aware of the important potential side effects of gentamicin
• understand the importance of letting the doctor, nurse or pharmacist know if you have any side effects
• feel able to ask questions about your treatment

What is gentamicin and what is it used for?

Gentamicin is a powerful antibiotic used to treat certain types of serious bacterial infections. You have been prescribed gentamicin because it is the appropriate antibiotic for your infection.

Doctors will give gentamicin as soon as possible when a serious infection is suspected. If you are very unwell treatment may have started before you or your family have had a chance to read this leaflet.

Please tell your Doctor, Nurse or Pharmacist immediately if you answer ‘Yes’ to any of these questions:

• do you have any hearing or balance problems, or have you (or your relatives) had hearing or balance problems as a side effect from previous antibiotic use?
• do you (or your relatives) have a mitochondrial disease (mutations in the parts of your cells which help make energy)?
• have you taken gentamicin before?
• are you allergic to gentamicin or any other antibiotics?
• are you pregnant or breast feeding?
• do you have reduced kidney function?
• do you have myasthenia gravis?
• are you taking any other medicines: including ‘water tablets’ such as furosemide; over the counter medications; or herbal remedies?

How is gentamicin given?

Gentamicin is given as an injection into a vein or via a drip by the Nurses in hospital. The dose and how often you take it may change during the course of treatment.

How will I be monitored?

The amount of gentamicin in your blood will be measured to make sure you are on the right dose, this is done by taking a blood test. This blood test will also show how your kidneys are working. You may need a hearing and balance test (see possible side effects).

How long will I take gentamicin?

Usually you will take gentamicin for up to 4 days. If you need gentamicin for longer than 7 days, your Doctor will arrange for you to have hearing and balance tests (see possible side effects).

What are the possible side effects?

Like all medicines, gentamicin may cause side effects. However, most are rare and not all patients will experience them. It is extremely important that you tell your Doctor, Nurse or Pharmacist if you experience any of these side effects at any time as they could be serious or long-term.

• reduced kidney function: you might not have any symptoms but may notice you are passing less urine
• allergic reactions: including rash, itch, fever, shortness of breath, a tight chest or wheezing, chills or shivers, swelling or redness of the skin
• hearing or balance problems, these may include:
  • hearing impairment: you may experience a ringing in your ears (tinnitus) or hearing loss
  • disturbances in balance: you may feel dizzy or have difficulty in keeping your balance
  • visual disturbances: you may experience ‘jerky’ or ‘bouncing’ vision

If you have any questions while in hospital, please ask a member of staff.

When you go home, you should contact your GP, Practice Nurse or Community Pharmacist for any further advice if needed. If you are ill on a day or at a time when your GP surgery is closed, you can call NHS 24 on 111.

Please contact BGH Pharmacy on 01896 827702 for a copy of this information in another language, Braille, large print or BSL DVD