Description
Genticyn injection is a sterile solution of gentamicin sulfate equivalent to 80 mg gentamicin base in 2 mL (40 mg/mL). It is intended for intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) administration for treatment of serious bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms.
Ingredients
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Active ingredient: Gentamicin sulfate (equivalent to 80 mg gentamicin base per 2 mL ampoule).
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Other ingredients/excipients: typically water for injection and may include small amounts of sulfuric acid or pH adjusters depending on manufacturer — consult the specific product leaflet for full excipient list.
Drug Class
Dosage Form
Uses / Indications
Used to treat infections caused by gentamicin-sensitive organisms, including:
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Severe gram-negative infections (e.g., Pseudomonas, Enterobacteriaceae)
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Septicaemia / bacteremia
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Complicated urinary tract infections
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Hospital-acquired pneumonia (in combination when indicated)
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Intra-abdominal and gynecologic infections (often used in combination therapy)
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Endocarditis (synergy with β-lactams for some organisms)
Indications vary by local guidelines — culture & sensitivity should guide therapy.
Dosage (Typical) — Clinical guidance only; follow prescriber orders
Conventional (multiple daily) dosing
Once-daily (extended-interval) dosing
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Many centres use once-daily regimens (e.g., 5–7 or up to 8–10 mg/kg once daily) depending on infection, patient factors and local policy — extended-interval dosing optimizes peak/MIC ratio and may reduce nephrotoxicity but requires appropriate selection and monitoring.
Special populations / renal impairment
Practical note for a 70 kg adult: a common once-daily dose might be 5–7 mg/kg → 350–490 mg total daily (so multiple 80 mg ampoules or alternate products/vials will be used to reach the prescribed dose). Always follow the prescriber's exact order.
In Case of Overdose
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Signs: worsening nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity (tinnitus, hearing loss, vertigo), neuromuscular blockade (respiratory depression).
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Management: stop drug, provide supportive care, monitor renal function, consider hemodialysis for clearance in severe cases (gentamicin is dialyzable to some extent); consult toxicology/poison control.
Missed Dose
How to Use / Administration Instructions
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Inspect ampoule: solution should be clear to pale yellow; do not use if discolored or contains particulate matter.
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IM administration: inject deep into a large muscle (e.g., gluteal) using aseptic technique. Rotate sites to reduce irritation.
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IV administration: give IV injection or infusion per local policy (some preparations diluted in compatible saline and infused slowly). Flush IV lines before/after administration.
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Monitoring: obtain baseline and periodic renal function (serum creatinine), and drug levels (peak/trough) when using conventional dosing or in at-risk patients. Monitor hearing/vestibular function for symptoms.
When Not to Use / Contraindications
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Known hypersensitivity to gentamicin or other aminoglycosides.
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Use with extreme caution or avoid in patients with preexisting hearing impairment, myasthenia gravis or neuromuscular disorders (risk of neuromuscular blockade).
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Avoid unnecessary use in mild infections or when effective, less-toxic alternatives exist.
Side Effects / Adverse Reactions
Major (clinically important)
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Nephrotoxicity (acute tubular necrosis risk; reversible if detected early) — monitor renal function.
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Ototoxicity (vestibular and/or cochlear; may be irreversible) — monitor for tinnitus, hearing loss, vertigo. Concomitant ototoxic drugs (e.g., loop diuretics, vancomycin) increase risk.
Other
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Neuromuscular blockade (rare but potentially life-threatening, especially with concurrent neuromuscular blockers), rash, injection-site pain. Superinfection (including C. difficile) can occur with broad antibiotic use.
Precautions & Warnings
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Therapeutic drug monitoring is recommended for conventional dosing, renal impairment, prolonged therapy, neonates, obese patients, and when toxicity risk is high.
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Use caution or avoid concomitant nephrotoxic/ototoxic agents (e.g., vancomycin, amphotericin B, loop diuretics); monitor closely if combination is unavoidable.
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Pregnant/breastfeeding: use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh risks. Monitor neonates if mother received gentamicin near delivery.
Drug Interactions
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Loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide): increased risk of ototoxicity.
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Vancomycin and other nephrotoxins: increased nephrotoxicity risk.
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Neuromuscular blocking agents: additive neuromuscular blockade.
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Other antibiotics: synergy possible with β-lactams against some organisms, but dosing and monitoring must be physician-directed.
Storage / Disposal
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Storage: store at controlled room temperature (approx. 20–25 °C / 68–77 °F) unless product leaflet specifies otherwise. Protect from excessive heat. Do not freeze.
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Disposal: single-use ampoules — discard any unused portion. Dispose of ampoules and sharps in approved biomedical waste / sharps containers per local regulations.
Control Drug / Prescription Status
Quick Tips (for your Shopify page)
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Headline: Genticyn — Gentamicin Sulfate 80 mg / 2 mL (2 ampoules) — IV/IM antibiotic (Prescription only).
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Key bullets: 80 mg per ampoule (40 mg/mL); For serious gram-negative infections; Requires prescriber order and monitoring; Not for oral use; Store at room temperature.
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Safety callout (bold): Monitor renal function and hearing — risk of kidney damage and hearing loss; do not use without medical supervision.
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Sell note: Include a short downloadable PDF “Important Safety & Administration Notes” for clinicians/customers to print after purchase (contains dosing reminders, monitoring checklist, contraindications, and emergency contact).