Karen asked
I was given gentamicin by IV when I had toxic shock. I would like to know side effects. Thank You
Answer
Gentamycin is known as an aminoglycoside drug and when administered & monitored correctly by the hospital staff, it is fairly safe. If concentrations ever get too high in the body (I imaged the hospital took drug levels from time to time when you were an in-patient), there can be serious adverse reactions.
There are two well known adverse reaction that are serious, but again can be avoided with prudent monitoring.
Nephrotoxicity (kidney toxicity) is a classic adverse reaction and is one that is all costs monitored to be avoided. Another is ototoxicity (toxicity to the ear). The symptoms of this can be high-frequency hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, or dizziness. since either auditory or vestibular toxicity is possible. These side effects may be permanent.
In addition to the two I mentioned, the following are also listed as possible side effects to gentamycin:
- Injection site reactions
- IV site reactions
- Rash
- Itching or burning of the eye
- Neurotoxicity (tingling, numbness, twitching)
