Prototype Drugs-Antimicrobials

Question 1

Gentamycin

Answer 1

Aminoglycoside; other drugs: Neomycin, amikacin;
Blocks protein synthesis = Bactericidal = Lots of Toxicity;
Uses: Gram Neg organisms, Short Term Tx of serious infections when other meds ineffective, bowel prep, hepatic coma;
Adverse Rxns: Nephrotoxicity, Ototoxicity, Neurotoxicity (neph and oto tox risksinc with long term use);
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to aminoglycosides, pre-existing hearing loss, myasthenia gravis and parkinsonism, preg cat D;
Cautious Use: Elderly patients, renal failure, neuromuscular disorders, dehydration;
Interactions: Cephalosporins, loop diuretics, other ototoxic drugs, neuromuscular blocking agents, antiemetics (may mask symptons of otototoxicity);
Dosage: Be cautious that patient is not above the therapeutic dose => trough and peak (1 hr) serum testing