Gentamicin
Gentamicin is a broad-spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections caused by susceptible gram-negative organisms. It is commonly prescribed for serious infections such as sepsis, meningitis, urinary tract infections, and respiratory tract infections, often when other antibiotics are not suitable.
Gentamicin is a potent aminoglycoside antibiotic for serious gram-negative bacterial infections that requires careful monitoring due to potential kidney and hearing side effects.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- D06AX07
- RxNorm
- 1596450
- Generic
- Gentamicin
- Class
- atc-d06
- Brands
- Gentacalm, Genone, Motazol, Otomax, Mometamax, Garasol, Gentak, Mometavet, Mometamax Single, GentaVed
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- otic, topical, ophthalmic
- Forms
- injection, ointment, spray, suspension, cream, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse only if clearly needed
avoid use during first trimester unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second third trimesteruse only if clearly needed
use only for serious infections when no safer alternative available
regular fetal monitoring, assess amniotic fluid levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingconsider temporary discontinuation
gentamicin is excreted in breast milk; monitor infant for diarrhea or candidiasis
observe nursing infant for signs of gastrointestinal disturbance
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
neonates infantsweight-based dosing with careful monitoring
use based on body weight; monitor serum levels closely due to immature renal function
therapeutic drug monitoring essential, monitor renal function and hearing
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose and extend interval based on renal function
assess renal function before treatment; use lower doses and extended dosing intervals
regular monitoring of serum creatinine, renal function, and audiological assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
chronic kidney diseasesignificant dose reduction required
adjust dose based on creatinine clearance; use extended interval dosing
frequent serum drug level monitoring, renal function tests, and audiological evaluations
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentmay require adjustment in severe cases
use with caution; monitor liver function tests
monitor liver function and drug levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Antimicrobial classification based on chemical structure and mechanism
First FDA approval
Original FDA approval year for gentamicin
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic mechanism of action
Treats serious gram-negative bacterial infections including sepsis, meningitis, complicated urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, bone and joint infections, and skin/soft tissue infections. May also be used topically for skin and eye infections caused by susceptible bacteria.
Gentamicin works by binding to the bacterial 30S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting protein synthesis and causing bacterial cell death. It is bactericidal, meaning it directly kills bacteria rather than just slowing their growth.
This medication can cause significant kidney damage (nephrotoxicity) and hearing or balance problems (ototoxicity), requiring regular monitoring of drug levels, kidney function, and hearing tests during treatment. It is typically given by injection in hospital settings for serious infections and requires careful dosing based on weight and kidney function.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy