- Aminoglycosides
How do they work? “Action” Nursing management
The aminoglycosides exert their bactericidal effect • Before administering any antibiotic be sure to evaluate
by blocking the ribosome from reading the mRNA, the results of the culture and sensitivity test.
a step in protein synthesis necessary for bacterial • Take the drug at the prescribed time intervals. These
multiplication. time intervals are important because a certain amount
of the drug must be in the body at all times for the
infection to be controlled..
• Always report serious adverse reactions, such as a
severe hypersensitivity reaction, respiratory difficulty,
Indications severe diarrhea, or a decided drop in blood pressure,
to the primary health care provider immediately,
• Infections caused by gram negative organisms because a serious adverse reaction may require
• Before abdominal surgery to reduce normal flora emergency intervention.
in the bowel • Monitor temperature and evaluate the effectiveness of
the treatment via labs and vitals.
• Neuromuscular blockade or respiratory paralysis may
occur with the administration of aminoglycosides. It is
imperative to monitor respiratory status and report any
Adverse Reactions respiratory difficulty immediately.
• To detect ototoxicity, carefully evaluate the patient’s
• Nausea complaints or comments related to hearing, such as a
• Vomiting ringing or buzzing in the ears.
• Anorexia
• Rash
Interactions:
• Urticaria
• Nephrotoxicity • Cephalosporins: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity
• Ototoxicity • Loop diuretics (water pills): Increased risk of
• Neurotoxicity ototoxicity
• Pavulon or Anectine (general anesthetics):
Increased risk of neuromuscular blockade
Contraindications & Caution Favorable Outcomes
• Hypersensitivity • Patient reports comfort without fever.
• Pre existing Hearing loss • Orientation and mentation remain intact.
• Myasthenia gravis • Patient has adequate renal tissue perfusion.
• No evidence of injury is seen due to visual or
• Parkinsonism
auditory disturbances.
• Pregnancy & lactation • Patient does not experience diarrhea. (Ford 91)
Generic Trade Use Dose
3 mg/kg/day in 3 divided doses IM or IV
Treatment of serious infections caused
Gentamicin N/A by susceptible strains of microorganisms
For life-threatening infection: 5
mg/kg/day in divided doses
Treatment of serious infections caused 15 mg/kg/day IM or 25–30 mg/kg IM 2–3
Streptomycin N/A by susceptible strains of microorganisms times per week
Treatment of serious infections caused
Tobramycin N/A by susceptible strains of microorganisms 3–5 mg/kg/day IM, IV in 3 equal doses
PLUS TREATMENT OF TB