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Gentamicin in Veterinary Medicine - Facts and Information

Gentamicin

Updated on September 10, 2024

Aminoglycoside antibiotic used in serious or resistant infections.

Gentamicin

Summary

Used For: Infections

Brands: GentaMax

Species: Dogs and cats

Other names: Gentocin, Garasol, Garacin

Drug type: Antibiotic

Prescription required: Yes

Pregnancy and lactation: Not for use in pregnant or nursing animals.

Side effects: Kidney damage, hearing loss, vestibular disorder, facial swelling, GI upset, liver disorders

General description

Gentamicin is an antibiotic with broad spectrum of activity against gram-negative, aerobic bacteria. Gentamicin is used frequently in veterinary medicine to treat infections that are resistant to other antibiotics. Aminoglycosides are usually administered in a hospital setting as it is given via injection or infusion. Use with care as bacterial resistance to Gentamicin is developing. While many medications are often administered for ‘off-label’ or 'extra-label' use in veterinary medicine, it is important to know that off- or extra- label use of a medication can only be done by a veterinarian when there are no other more appropriate medications for a particular pet's circumstances. Your veterinarian must also know all vitamins, supplements, medications etc. your pet is taking to help avoid complications. You must also be sure to follow all instructions provided by your vet carefully and consult your veterinarian with any questions or concerns if they arise.

Uses

Infections caused by gram-negative bacteria

How it works

Gentamicin works by inhibiting bacterial replication by preventing the bacteria from making proteins. It works best at killing staphylococcal and gram-negative bacteria in the enterobacteriaceae family.

Dosage

**Dogs**: 9 - 14 milligrams per kilogram of body weight given subcutaneously, intravenously or intramuscularly every 24 hours. **Cats**: 5 - 8 milligrams per kilogram of body weight given subcutaneously, intravenously or intramuscularly every 24 hours. *Information provided above outlines what a typical dose might look like. Always consult your veterinarian on the appropriate dose for your specific animal when using any vitamin, supplement, off-label or prescription products. Some vets may prescribe outside of these ranges based on specific needs of the patient.

Forms

Gentamicin injectable solution is available in a 50 or 100 milligrams of gentamicin per milliliter concentration.

Storage information & handling

Injectable gentamicin can be stored at room temperature.

What results can I expect?

Assuming that the infection being treated is susceptible to gentamicin, resolution of the infection should occur during the treatment period.

Missed Dosage

If a dose is missed, continue with the next dosage at the scheduled time.

Overdose / acute toxicity

Early signs of toxicity include loss of hearing and balance or vomiting. May see symptoms of kidney disease including increased or decreased drinking, lack of appetite, vomiting, depression, coma and death.

Side effects

May include: * Kidney damage * Hearing loss * Vestibular (balance) disorders * Facial swelling * Pain at injection site * Allergic reactions * Vomiting * Diarrhea * Blood disorders * Liver disorders

Contraindications

* Do not use in animals hypersensitive (allergic) to aminoglycosides. * Ineffective against most anaerobic bacteria (those that can live without oxygen). * Do not use in animals who require their hearing to perform their work (military dogs, police dogs, seeing eye dogs, hearing dogs, etc.) as hearing or vestibular (balance) impairment may not be reversible. * Do not use in animals with kidney disease as this group of medications may worsen the disease if present. * Not for use in pregnant or nursing animals. * Not for use in animals with myasthenia gravis or other neuromuscular disorders. * Not for use in animals with fever or dehydration.

Drug interactions

Do not use with diuretics as it increases the risk of kidney damage. Do not use in combination with other aminoglycosides. Do not use with other products that may cause hearing loss, vestibular disease or kidney disease. Do not use with general anesthetics.

Precaution

Gentamicin is not safe to use during pregnancy and lactation.

Sources

*Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs*

Related Questions

Hi! My cat was recently diagnosed with diabetes. He’s taking insulin and taking antibiotics for a Uti. It’s been 4 weeks and he wobles when he’s walking. He can’t jump up on the bed like he used to.He’s blood sugar is 250 it’s better than it used to. I don’t understand why he’s so wobbly.

Cats can develop what's called diabetic neuropathy, where their hindlegs become progressively weak. The best thing to do is try to get his diabetes under control as quickly as possible. Here is a link describing the conditon: http://www.diabeticcatcare.com/DCCCOK/Neuropathy.htm

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Is there a reason you want to stop the prednisone? I would recommend not stopping it and if you feel it is better to stop the prednisone then I would recommend weaning off of the prednisone. I would discuss how to wean the prednisone with your veterinarian. Thank you for using Boop by Petco.

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In severe outbreaks, 2 weeks between different drugs is ok. You will also need to use a household flea treatment in order to break the cycle, only 5% of the flea population are adults and actually present on pets, tge remaining 95% are eggs/large and will continue to hatch, develop and reinvest your pets. All in contact animals should be treated together and also given a tapeworm treatment because tapeworms are also transmitted by fleas

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My 8yo Golden had a falsepregnancy w milk. Cabergoline has resolved it now. I hear conflicting opinions about spaying. She has never mated. Some say not spaying would cause pseudopregnancy recurrence+dangerous conditions like Mammary T. But UCDavis studies say spaying increases other aggressive cancer risks among GoldenRs. Also, vet thinks that her anemia that keeps coming back after prednisolone trtmnts *might* be due to Ovary cysts, suggests spaying. What's the right approach for her health?

Thank you for contacting Boop by Petco with your question about Lav. I've heard many owners quote the UC Davis study, and there are a number of things wrong with the study. Check out this article on it: https://humanepro.org/magazine/articles/deconstructing-spayneuter-debate Not spaying her can cause a pseudopregnancy reoccurrence, but it doesn't increase her risk of mammary tumors. That's already going to be 25% because she's had more than two heats. Keep in mind, 50% of mammary tumors in dogs are malignant. She is eight years old, so she is already at a higher risk of developing cancer simply because she is an older dog. She is also at risk of a pyometra, which is an infection of the uterus that is fatal without treatment. The treatment for a pyometra is spaying the dog, which is an emergency during a pyometra and can cost many thousands of dollars. In all honesty, it's best to spay her. It will keep her from developing a pyometra as well as a pseudopregnancy, and it will keep her from getting pregnant if she accidentally mates. Dogs over the age of six should never have puppies. In my opinion, it's best for her to health to get spayed asap. I hope this helps!

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My cat was prescribed antibiotics for diarrhea and today was his second day of taking them. He’s required to take 0.5 mL of the antibiotic and another one after 12 hours (twice a day). Today, he lost his appetite (only ate a few treats) and threw up clear liquid twice and clear yellow liquid 3 times. He is also lethargic.

Hello, thank you for using Boop by Petco. I'm sorry to hear that Leo is having this problem. Many antibiotics cause gastrointestinal issues in cats so you will need to call your vet and let them know what is going on. Most likely they will have you stop one or both of the antibiotics and prescribe something different. I would also suggest that you put him on a pre/probiotic while he is taking antibiotics and then continue for at least one week after the antibiotics have been stopped. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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I was advised by my daughter's dog trainer to contact a vet about my Yorkie's anxiety. She is 7 yo and 12 lbs. She started off scared of some fireworks in the neighborhood. Now it has progressed to even heavy rain. She keeps us up during storms because s she's so afraid and we can't console her. The trainer said a vet could try her on some trazadone. How can I get help with this?

Thank you for contacting Boop by Petco with your question about Ellie. I'm sorry she's having trouble with anxiety! Yes medications can help with anxiety, but she would need to see a vet in person to get the medication. We cannot provide a prescription for it from the site without seeing her in person; it's illegal, and against the user terms of the site. I recommend contacting her vet to make her an appointment to discuss the use of medication. A thundershirt may also help in conjunction with medication. You can buy them online, I also recommend looking at one of those. A tip to keep in mind when she is afraid is not to console her. It's natural to want to do that, but it actually reinforces the behavior. By consoling her, you are telling her it's ok to act this way. I hope this helps!

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Disclaimer

The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.