Brand
Gentocin
Availability
Comes in: oral solution, soluble powder, and 100 mg/mL injectable (injectable form diluted in normal saline can also be used when nebulizing required).
Pharmacology
A bactericidal aminoglycoside with action primarily against gram negative aerobes.
It is widely distributed in extracellular fluid and does not penetrate ocular tissue, nor readily cross the blood-brain barrier. The drug tends to accumulate in the kidneys and the inner ear, explaining the reason for nephro and ototoxicity.
Aminoglycosides are able to cross placental barrier and may cause nerve or nephrotoxic effects to the fetus. It is not recommended that these drugs be used in pregnant rats.
Gentamicin, as with other aminoglycosides, should be used with caution in existing renal conditions or neuromuscular disease. The drug is not intended for long term use.
Indications
For use on gram negative infections such as pseudomonas, proteus and serratia, and some gram positive infections such as staphylococcus. Also used in skin/soft tissue, bone, abdominal and urinary tract infections and severe respiratory infections.
Drug Interactions or Contraindications
Use caution when giving with other aminoglycosides, Cephalosporins, and Loop diuretics such as Furosemide, which may increase nephro or ototoxicity.
Per the manufacturer it is not a recommendation to mix gentamicin in with other drug compounds. Give separately.
Adverse Reactions
All aminoglycosides are nephrotoxic and ototoxic, and can cause neuromuscular blockade.
EENT: Ototoxicity
CNS: lethargy,neuromuscular blockade,facial edema,
GI: Effects GI Flora
GU: Nephrotoxicity
Skin: itching, swelling, tremors
Other: loss of coordination
Dosage Recommendations
1 mg/lb to 2 mg/lb , SQ or IM , BID
4 3
or
if a 40 mg/mL solution then give .025mL/lb to .05mL/lb; BID for 7 to 14 days 4
or
2 mg to 4 mg/kg , SQ or IM , q8hrs to q24hrs 1
or
The following is a dosage recommendation by Dr. Michael Hutchinson, DVM; Animal General, Cranberry Township, PA.. 18,
for the use of gentocin along with
albuterol by nebulization in a treatment regimen for chronic and repeated URI, and serious to advanced lung infection not responding to enrofloxacin and
doxycycline alone:
Nebulize 15 minutes, 2-3 times a day, for 14 days:
8 mL sterile saline
0.5mL gentocin injectable 100 mg/mL
0.5mL
Albuterol 0.083% Inhalation
*Note excess mixture for nebulization can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
For complete treatment regimen recommended by Dr. Hutchinson see articles
Mycoplasma or
Pneumonia in the Health section of the Rat Guide. Also see individual monographs for more information on the above drugs in the Medication section of the
Rat Guide.
See
Fig. 3: of
First Aid Supplies in the Health section of the
Rat Guide and in The Medical Corner of the
RMCA site for information on nebulizer use and set up.
See Nursing Care section in articles
Mycoplasma or
Pneumonia for information on type of nebulizer and where to purchase.
Considerations
When using this drug, keep rat hydrated with plenty of fluids.
Give yogurt, Lactobacillus capsules/granules, or Bene-bac to help maintain normal gut flora.
Injectable and oral can be stored at room temperature.
In treating suspected polymicrobial infections, where a broader coverage may be needed, synergistic or combination drugs may be used. The following drugs may be seen used simultaneously with gentamicin: Ampicillin, Amoxicillin, Penicillin, Fluoroquinolones (e.g., enrofloxacin or orbifloxicin), Cephalosporins, Trimethoprim-Sulfa, and Metronidazole. 1
Please note that it is imperative to discuss the changing, or adding of any medications during your rat’s treatment with your veterinarian, to prevent future resistance of microbes to the drugs prescribed.
Posted on June 17, 2003, 15:38,
Last updated on March 17, 2008, 17:06
| Antimicrobial Agents
