Gentamicin
Brands
Gentocin 40
Description
A white powder, it is a highly toxic broad spectrum systemic aminoglycoside antibiotic, used to treat severe infections. It works by inhibiting metabolic activities in the bacteria. It is not effective against fungal infections or viruses. It has been widely used in the treatment of gram-negative, and some gram-positive, organisms.
Uses
- Severe respiratory disease
- Secondary bacterial infections
- Pseudomonas
- Staphylococcus Aureus
- Some Mycobacteria
- Some Streptococcus species
Dosage
- 1 to 2mg/lb twice daily by injection (7)
- Gentocin 40 - 0.025 to 0.05cc/lb, twice daily for 7 to 14 days (7)
- 5 mg/kg twice daily by injection (20)
- 5–8 mg/kg once a day by injection (24)
Side Effects
- Itching, swelling, tremors, loss of coordination.
- Ototoxicity (the harmful effect on the organs or nerves concerned with hearing and balance) has been shown to be a risk even before the auditory organs have begun to function in developing rats.
Warnings
Can cause kidney damage, so make sure your rat drinks plenty of water. Rats with infected kidneys are more susceptible to Gentamicin toxicity than healthy rats.
Rarely, it can also cause inner ear problems, which may give rise to some loss of coordination.
