Gentamicin

Trade name

DBL Gentamicin, Gentamicin (Noridem), Gentamicin (Pfizer)

Strength

40 mg/mL (volume: 2 mL)

IV administration

Dilute to 10 mg/mL or weaker and give over at least 30 minutes.

May be given as a slow IV injection over at least 3 minutes; refer to relevant local guidelines.

Haemodialysis: Give at the end of haemodialysis.

Other routes of administration

IM: Suitable. Give undiluted.

SC: Not recommended.

Compatible IV fluids

Glucose 5%

Sodium chloride 0.9%

Gentamicin 5.2 mg/mL or weaker: 

Glucose 10%

Y-site only:

Hartmann’s

Plasma-Lyte 148

Potassium chloride 20 mmol/L

Y-site only and gentamicin 6.4 mg/mL or weaker:

Glucose 5% and sodium chloride 0.9%

Glucose 5% and sodium chloride 0.45%

Ringer’s

Additional information

Potentially hazardous medication: may require special handling precautions; refer to RCH Safe Handling of Hazardous Medicines Procedure or relevant local guideline.

Ensure adequate hydration where possible.

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring may be required; refer to local guidelines.

IV aminoglycoside antibiotics are inactivated by IV cephalosporins, penicillins and teicoplanin; refer to Glossary and Notes. 

Protect from light during storage.