GARAMYCIN

Question 1

Garamycin

Answer 1

• dose is dependent on pt. weight, usually 1-2 mg/kg Q 8 hours

Question 2

Classification

Answer 2

• antibiotic

Question 3

Action

Answer 3

• potent antibiotic usually reserved for more serious, life threatening infections

Question 4

Contraindications

Answer 4

• known allergy
• renal or hepatic disease
• preexisting hearing loss

Question 5

Side Effects

Answer 5

• N/V/D
• ototoxicity - as evidenced by tinnitus, dizziness, vertigo
• nephrotoxicity - as evidenced by abnormalities in urinalysis

Question 6

Implications

Answer 6

• do baseline C&S test prior to start of antibiotic therapy
• draw peak & trough levels during therapy for early detection of toxicity
• monitor pt.’s s/s of infection for improvement or failure to resolve infection
• encourage pt. to take full course of treatment, drink plenty of fluid to decrease change of nephrotoxicity and to report any tinnitus or hearing loss
• for IM doses - give in deep well-developed muscle, alternating sites