What does it do?

Gentamicin is used to treat bacterial infections.

How is it given?

Gentamicin is given as an infusion or a slow injection into a vein, or as an injection into a muscle. It is usually given to you by a health professional.

What if you forget a dose?

If you miss a dose, contact your health professional as soon as possible. Usually, the missed dose is given as soon as possible and treatment continued as directed.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with gentamicin including:

• anti-inflammatories, such as diclofenac (e.g. Voltaren®), ibuprofen (e.g. Nurofen®), or aspirin (e.g. Disprin®, in doses used for pain relief). These can also be found in some cold and flu medicines (e.g. Nurofen Cold and Flu®).

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side Effects	Recommended action
Hearing loss, ringing in the ears, unsteadiness Peeing less or not at all	Tell your health professional immediately
Pain, tenderness or redness at injection site	Tell your health professional if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

• Tell your doctor if you have kidney, hearing or balance problems, or a chronic muscle condition (e.g. myasthenia gravis).
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• You will need regular blood tests to measure the amount of gentamicin in your blood, to make sure you are on the right dose.
• Gentamicin can cause kidney problems. You will need regular blood tests to check how well your kidneys are working.