Gentamicin sulfateProduct ingredient for Gentamicin

Gentamicin is a bactericidal aminoglycoside that was discovered and isolated from Micromonospora purpurea in 1963.⁷ It is one of the most frequently prescribed aminoglycosides due to its spectrum of activity, low cost, and availability.^5,8 Gentamicin is effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms but is particularly useful for the treatment of severe gram-negative infections including those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.^6,10,11 There is the added benefit of synergy when gentamicin is co-administered with other antibacterials such as beta-lactams.¹¹ This synergistic activity is not only important for the treatment of complex infections, but can also contribute to dose optimization and reduced adverse effects.^10,11

Although gentamicin is well-established and may be used in a variety of clinical applications, it is also associated with severe adverse effects including nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity which may limit its use.¹²