Description:

Gentamycin Injection 80mg/2ml is a broad-spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections caused by susceptible Gram-negative organisms (e.g., Pseudomonas, E. coli, Klebsiella, Proteus) and some Gram-positive bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus). It is indicated for severe infections such as septicemia, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, intra-abdominal infections, skin/soft tissue infections, bone/joint infections, meningitis, and hospital-acquired infections when other antibiotics are ineffective or contraindicated.

Prescription:

• Prescription required; administered only by healthcare professionals (hospital or clinic setting).

Therapeutic Category:

• Aminoglycoside antibiotic (bactericidal; for serious Gram-negative and select Gram-positive infections).

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Gentamicin sulfate equivalent to Gentamicin 80 mg per 2 mL (40 mg/mL). Other ingredients: Water for injection, sodium chloride (for isotonicity), and sometimes preservatives or stabilizers (sulfite-free in most modern formulations).

Variant:

• Standard 80 mg/2 mL ampoule (40 mg/mL concentration); common adult/pediatric strength (other variants include 40 mg/1 mL, 160 mg/2 mL, or multidose vials in some markets).

Consume Type:

• Parenteral (intramuscular or intravenous injection/infusion only; never orally).

Directions/Usage:

Administered by a doctor/nurse only (IM deep injection or IV slow push/infusion).

• Adults: 3–5 mg/kg/day in 2–3 divided doses (e.g., 80 mg every 8–12 hours).
• Once-daily dosing (extended interval): 5–7 mg/kg once daily (preferred in many guidelines for better efficacy and less toxicity).
• Duration: 7–14 days (or longer for endocarditis/osteomyelitis).
• Adjust dose in renal impairment (monitor creatinine clearance; extend intervals or reduce dose).
• Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) strongly recommended: Peak 5–10 mcg/mL, trough <2 mcg/mL (to avoid toxicity).
• Always hydrate patient well and monitor renal function, hearing, and balance.

Common Side Effects:

• Nephrotoxicity (kidney damage – reversible if caught early), ototoxicity (hearing loss or vestibular damage – may be irreversible), neuromuscular blockade (muscle weakness), injection site pain, rash, fever, or headache. Rare: Hypersensitivity reactions (rash, anaphylaxis).

Package Type:

• Single-dose clear glass ampoule (2 mL containing 80 mg gentamicin); usually packed in boxes of 10 or 25 ampoules.

Storage Advice:

• Store below 30°C, protected from light. Do not freeze. Keep in original carton. Use immediately after opening (single-dose ampoule). Keep out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Contraindicated in known hypersensitivity to aminoglycosides, myasthenia gravis (risk of neuromuscular blockade), or severe renal impairment without dose adjustment/TDM. Use extreme caution in elderly, dehydrated patients, or those on other nephrotoxic/ototoxic drugs (e.g., vancomycin, furosemide, cisplatin). Monitor renal function (serum creatinine), hearing, and balance before and during treatment. Avoid prolonged therapy (>14 days) unless essential. Pregnancy: Category D (risk of fetal ototoxicity). Breastfeeding: Avoid (passes into milk). Report ringing in ears, dizziness, reduced urine output, or hearing loss immediately. Never give as IV bolus push undiluted (rapid infusion increases toxicity risk).

Product Substitutes:

• Gentamicin 80 mg/2 mL generics (e.g., from Troge, Letap, or other importers in Ghana)
• Garamycin Injection 80 mg/2 mL (original brand)
• Gentacyn or G-Mycin Injection
• Other aminoglycosides (e.g., amikacin, tobramycin) if substituted by doctor for specific infections. Consult a physician/pharmacist for available alternatives in Ghana.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

• Troge Pharma,

Country of Origin:

• India