Aminoglycosides

Question 1

examples of aminoglycosides

Answer 1

amikacin, gentamicin, neomycin sulfate, streptomycin, and tobramycin.

Question 2

why are aminoglycosides not given orally

Answer 2

The aminoglycosides are not absorbed from the gut (although there is a risk of absorption in inflammatory bowel disease and liver failure) and must therefore be given by injection for systemic infections.

Question 3

what is gentamicin given in conjunction with

Answer 3

When used for the ‘blind’ therapy of undiagnosed serious infections it is usually given in conjunction with a penicillin or metronidazole (or both).

Question 4

how are gentamicin doses calculated

Answer 4

Loading and maintenance doses of gentamicin may be calculated on the basis of the patient’s weight and renal function (e.g. using a nomogram); adjustments are then made according to serum-gentamicin concentrations.

Question 5

what is the preferred dosing regimen for aminoglycosides

Answer 5

Once daily administration of aminoglycosides is more convenient, provides adequate serum concentrations, and in many cases has largely superseded multiple-daily dose regimens (given in 2–3 divided doses during the 24 hours).