ISOTONIC GENTAMICIN SULFATE

Drug Name: ISOTONIC GENTAMICIN SULFATE

ISOTONIC GENTAMICIN SULFATE DESCRIPTION:
GENTAMICIN - INJECTION (jen-tuh-MY-sin)

COMMON ISOTONIC GENTAMICIN SULFATE BRAND NAME(S):
Garamycin

ISOTONIC GENTAMICIN SULFATE SIDE EFFECTS:
ISOTONIC GENTAMICIN SULFATE may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctory if you develop: difficulty hearing, ringing in the ears, dizziness. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE ISOTONIC GENTAMICIN SULFATE:
ISOTONIC GENTAMICIN SULFATE: Use ISOTONIC GENTAMICIN SULFATE exactly as prescribed. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by using the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Continue to use ISOTONIC GENTAMICIN SULFATE until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.

ISOTONIC GENTAMICIN SULFATE WARNING:
ISOTONIC GENTAMICIN SULFATE has caused kidney problems, nerve damage or permanent hearing loss, even at usual doses. Hearing loss can occur even after the drug is stopped. If you already have kidney problems or hearing difficulty, tell your doctor. Notify your doctor immediately if any of the following occur: ringing in your ears, hearing loss, unusual change in amount of urine, dizziness, numbness, skin tingling, muscle twitching or seizures. ISOTONIC GENTAMICIN SULFATE may be stopped if you develop kidney or hearing problems. Your doctor will monitor your progress to minimize the possibility of these effects occurring and may run certain tests (e.g., hearing and/or kidney tests). Do not use ISOTONIC GENTAMICIN SULFATE with other drugs that can cause nerve, kidney or hearing problems. Other factors that increase the risk of these side effects occurring include advanced age or dehydration (unusual thirst).

ISOTONIC GENTAMICIN SULFATE USES:
Gentamicin is an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections.

ISOTONIC GENTAMICIN SULFATE PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: kidney disease, vertigo, hearing problems, vitamin/mineral (electrolyte) imbalances, myasthenia gravis, Parkinson's disease, any allergies. Use of ISOTONIC GENTAMICIN SULFATE for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of gentamicin. Use cautiously. Gentamicin should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. ISOTONIC GENTAMICIN SULFATE is excreted into breast milk. The effects on nursing infants are not known at this time. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

ISOTONIC GENTAMICIN SULFATE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all the medications you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially: other antibiotics (penicillins and cephalosporins such as cephalexin), diuretics ("water pills") such as furosemide or ethacrynic acid, other aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g., kanamycin, amikacin), anesthetics (e.g., succinylcholine, tubocurarine), any live vaccines, anti-cancer medications. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

ISOTONIC GENTAMICIN SULFATE OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

ISOTONIC GENTAMICIN SULFATE NOTES:
ISOTONIC GENTAMICIN SULFATE has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection or give it to someone else. A different medication may be necessary in those cases. Make sure needles, tubing and supplies are stored safely and disposed of properly.

MISSED ISOTONIC GENTAMICIN SULFATE DOSE:
If you should miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

ISOTONIC GENTAMICIN SULFATE STORAGE:
Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.