Gentamicin Sulfate
Solution/ Drops · Ophthalmic, Intramuscular, Intravenous
Uses
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of gentamicin and other antibacterial drugs, gentamicin should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy. Gentamicin Sulfate Injection, USP is indicated in the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible strains of the following microorganisms: Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Proteus species (indole-positive and indole-negative), Escherichia coli , Klebsiella-Enterobacter-Serratia species, Citrobacter species, and Staphylococcus species (coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative). Clinical studies have shown Gentamicin Sulfate Injection, USP to be effective in bacterial neonatal sepsis; bacterial septicemia; and serious bacterial infections of the central nervous system (meningitis), urinary tract, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract (including peritonitis), skin, bone and soft tissue (including burns). Aminoglycosides, including gentamicin, are not indicated in uncomplicated initial episodes of urinary tract infections unless the causative organisms are susceptible to these antibiotics and are not susceptible to antibiotics having less potential for toxicity. Specimens for bacterial culture should be obtained to isolate and identify causative organisms and to determine their susceptibility to gentamicin. Gentamicin sulfate may be considered as initial therapy in suspected or confirmed gram-negative infections, and therapy may be instituted before obtaining results of susceptibility testing. The decision to continue therapy with this drug should be based on the results of susceptibility tests, the severity of the infection, and the important additional concepts contained in the WARNINGS box . If the causative organisms are resistant to gentamicin, other appropriate therapy should be instituted. In serious infections when the causative organisms are unknown, gentamicin sulfate may be administered as initial therapy in conjunction with a penicillin-type or cephalosporin-type drug before obtaining results of susceptibility testing. If anaerobic organisms are suspected as etiologic agents, consideration should be given to using other suitable antimicrobial therapy in conjunction with gentamicin. Following identification of the organism and its susceptibility, appropriate antibiotic therapy should then be continued. Gentamicin sulfate has been used effectively in combination with carbenicillin for the treatment of life-threatening infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa . It has also been found effective when used in conjunction with a penicillin-type drug for the treatment of endocarditis caused by group D streptococci. Gentamicin Sulfate Injection, USP has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of serious staphylococcal infections. While not the antibiotic of first choice, gentamicin may be considered when penicillins or other less potentially toxic drugs are contraindicated and bacterial susceptibility tests and clinical judgment indicate its use. It may also be considered in mixed infections caused by susceptible strains of staphylococci and gram-negative organisms. In the neonate with suspected bacterial sepsis or staphylococcal pneumonia, a penicillin-type drug is also usually indicated as concomitant therapy with gentamicin.
Dosage and administration
Gentamicin Sulfate Injection, USP may be given intramuscularly or by intravenous infusion. The patient's pretreatment body weight should be obtained for calculation of correct dosage. The dosage of aminoglycosides in obese patients should be based on an estimate of the lean body mass. It is desirable to limit the duration of treatment with aminoglycosides to short term. Patients with Normal Renal Function Adults: The recommended dosage of gentamicin sulfate for patients with serious infections and normal renal function is 3 mg/kg/day, administered in three equal doses every eight hours ( Table 1 ). For patients with life-threatening infections, dosages up to 5 mg/kg/day may be administered in three or four equal doses. The dosage should be reduced to 3 mg/kg/day as soon as clinically indicated ( Table 1 ). It is desirable to measure both peak and trough serum concentrations of gentamicin to determine the adequacy and safety of the dosage. When such measurements are feasible, they should be carried out periodically during therapy to assure adequate but not excessive drug levels. For example, the peak concentration (at 30 to 60 minutes after intramuscular injection) is expected to be in the range of 4 to 6 mcg/mL. When monitoring peak concentrations after intramuscular or intravenous administration, dosage should be adjusted so that prolonged levels above 12 mcg/mL are avoided. When monitoring trough concentrations (just prior to the next dose), dosage should be adjusted so that levels above 2 mcg/mL are avoided. Determination of the adequacy of a serum level for a particular patient must take into consideration the susceptibility of the causative organism, the severity of the infection, and the status of the patient's host-defense mechanisms. In patients with extensive burns, altered pharmacokinetics may result in reduced serum concentrations of aminoglycosides. In such patients treated with gentamicin, measurement of serum concentrations is recommended as a basis for dosage adjustment. Table 1 Dosage Schedule Guide For Adults With Normal Renal Function (Dosage at Eight-Hour Intervals) 40 mg/mL Patient's Weight The dosage of aminoglycosides in obese patients should be based on an estimate of the lean body mass. Usual Dose for Serious Infections Dose for Life-Threatening Infections (Reduce as Soon as Clinically Indicated) kg (lb) 1 mg/kg q8h (3 mg/kg/day) 1.7 mg/kg q8h For q6h schedules, dosage should be recalculated. (5 mg/kg/day) mg/ dose mL/dose mg/dose mL/dose q8h q8h 40 (88) 40 1 66 1.6 45 (99) 45 1.1 75 1.9 50 (110) 50 1.25 83 2.1 55 (121) 55 1.4 91 2.25 60 (132) 60 1.5 100 2.5 65 (143) 65 1.6 108 2.7 70 (154) 70 1.75 116 2.9 75 (165) 75 1.9 125 3.1 80 (176) 80 2 133 3.3 85 (187) 85 2.1 141 3.5 90 (198) 90 2.25 150 3.75 95 (209) 95 2.4 158 4 100 (220) 100 2.5 166 4.2 Children: 6 to 7.5 mg/kg/day (2 to 2.5 mg/kg administered every 8 hours). Infants and Neonates: 7.5 mg/kg/day (2.5 mg/kg administered every 8 hours). Premature or Full-Term Neonates One Week of Age or Less: 5 mg/kg/day (2.5 mg/kg administered every 12 hours). NOTE: For further information concerning the use of gentamicin in infants and children, see pediatric gentamicin sulfate injection product information. The usual duration of treatment for all patients is seven to ten days. In difficult and complicated infections, a longer course of therapy may be necessary. In such cases monitoring of renal, auditory, and vestibular functions is recommended, since toxicity is more apt to occur with treatment extended for more than ten days. Dosage should be reduced if clinically indicated. For Intravenous Administration The intravenous administration of gentamicin may be particularly useful for treating patients with bacterial septicemia or those in shock. It may also be the preferred route of administration for some patients with congestive heart failure, hematologic disorders, severe burns, or those with reduced muscle mass. For intermittent intravenous administration in adults, a single-dose of gentamicin sulfate may be diluted in 50 to 200 mL of sterile isotonic saline solution or in a sterile solution of 5% dextrose in water, in infants and children, the volume of diluent should be less. The solution may be infused over a period of one-half to two hours. The recommended dosage for intravenous and intramuscular administration is identical. Gentamicin sulfate should not be physically premixed with other drugs, but should be administered separately in accordance with the recommended route of administration and dosage schedule. Patients with Impaired Renal Function Dosage must be adjusted in patients with impaired renal function to assure therapeutically adequate, but not excessive blood levels. Whenever possible, serum concentrations of gentamicin should be monitored. One method of dosage adjustment is to increase the interval between administration of the usual doses. Since the serum creatinine concentration has a high correlation with the serum half-life of gentamicin, this laboratory test may provide guidance for adjustment of the interval between doses. The interval between doses (in hours) may be approximated by multiplying the serum creatinine level (mg/100 mL) by 8. For example, a patient weighing 60 kg with a serum creatinine level of 2.0 mg/100 mL could be given 60 mg (1 mg/kg) every 16 hours (2 x 8). In patients with serious systemic infections and renal impairment, it may be desirable to administer the antibiotic more frequently but in reduced dosage. In such patients, serum concentrations of gentamicin should be measured so that adequate, but not excessive levels result. A peak and trough concentration measured intermittently during therapy will provide optimal guidance for adjusting dosage. After the usual initial dose, a rough guide for determining reduced dosage at eight-hour intervals is to divide the normally recommended dose by the serum creatinine level ( Table 2 ).
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to gentamicin is a contraindication to its use. A history of hypersensitivity or serious toxic reactions to other aminoglycosides may contraindicate use of gentamicin because of the known cross-sensitivity of patients to drugs in this class.
Warnings
(see WARNINGS box ). Aminoglycosides can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Aminoglycoside antibiotics cross the placenta, and there have been several reports of total irreversible bilateral congenital deafness in children whose mothers received streptomycin during pregnancy. Animal reproduction studies conducted on rats and rabbits did not reveal evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to gentamicin sulfate. It is also not known whether gentamicin sulfate can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Serious side effects to mother, fetus, or newborn have not been reported in treatment of pregnant women with other aminoglycosides. If gentamicin is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking gentamicin, she should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. Contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown and probably low. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than in nonasthmatic people. Risk of Ototoxicity Due to Mitochondrial DNA Variants Cases of ototoxicity with aminoglycosides have been observed in patients with certain variants in the mitochondrially encoded 12S rRNA gene (MT-RNR1), particularly the m.1555A>G variant. Ototoxicity occurred in some patients even when their aminoglycoside serum levels were within the recommended range. Mitochondrial DNA variants are present in less than 1% of the general US population, and the proportion of the variant carriers who may develop ototoxicity as well as the severity of ototoxicity is unknown. In case of known maternal history of ototoxicity due to aminoglycoside use or a known mitochondrial DNA variant in the patient, consider alternative treatments other than aminoglycosides unless the increased risk of permanent hearing loss is outweighed by the severity of infection and lack of safe and effective alternative therapies.
Precautions
Neurotoxic and nephrotoxic antibiotics may be almost completely absorbed from body surfaces (except the urinary bladder) after local irrigation and after topical application during surgical procedures. The potential toxic effects of antibiotics administered in this fashion (neuromuscular blockade, respiratory paralysis, oto- and nephrotoxicity) should be considered (see WARNINGS box ). Increased nephrotoxicity has been reported following concomitant administration of aminoglycoside antibiotics and cephalosporins. Neuromuscular blockade and respiratory paralysis have been reported in the cat receiving high doses (40 mg/kg) of gentamicin. The possibility of these phenomena occurring in man should be considered if aminoglycosides are administered by any route to patients receiving anesthetics, or to patients receiving neuromuscular blocking agents, such as succinylcholine, tubocurarine, or decamethonium, or in patients receiving massive transfusions of citrate anticoagulated blood. If neuromuscular blockade occurs, calcium salts may reverse it. Aminoglycosides should be used with caution in patients with neuromuscular disorders, such as myasthenia gravis or parkinsonism, since these drugs may aggravate muscle weakness because of their potential curare-like effects on the neuromuscular junction. During or following gentamicin therapy, paresthesias, tetany, positive Chvostek and Trousseau signs and mental confusion have been described in patients with hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia and hypokalemia. When this has occurred in infants, tetany and muscle weakness has been described. Both adults and infants required appropriate corrective electrolyte therapy. Elderly patients may have reduced renal function which may not be evident in the results of routine screening tests, such as BUN or serum creatinine. A creatinine clearance determination may be more useful. Monitoring of renal function during treatment with gentamicin, as with other aminoglycosides, is particularly important in such patients. A Fanconi-like syndrome, with aminoaciduria and metabolic acidosis has been reported in some adults and infants being given gentamicin injections. Cross-allergenicity among aminoglycosides has been demonstrated. Patients should be well hydrated during treatment. Although the in vitro mixing of gentamicin and carbenicillin results in a rapid and significant inactivation of gentamicin, this interaction has not been demonstrated in patients with normal renal function who received both drugs by different routes of administration. A reduction in gentamicin serum half-life has been reported in patients with severe renal impairment receiving carbenicillin concomitantly with gentamicin. Treatment with gentamicin may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms. If this occurs, appropriate therapy is indicated. See WARNINGS box regarding concurrent use of potent diuretics and regarding concurrent and/or sequential use of other neurotoxic and/or nephrotoxic antibiotics and for other essential information. Do not administer unless solution is clear and package undamaged. Pregnancy (see WARNINGS section). General Prescribing gentamicin in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria. Information for Patients Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including gentamicin should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When gentamicin is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by gentamicin or other antibacterial drugs in the future.
Side effects
Nephrotoxicity: Adverse renal effects, as demonstrated by the presence of casts, cells or protein in the urine or by rising BUN, NPN, serum creatinine or oliguria, have been reported. They occur more frequently in patients with a history of renal impairment and in patients treated for longer periods or with larger dosages than recommended. Neurotoxicity: Serious adverse effects on both vestibular and auditory branches of the eighth nerve have been reported, primarily in patients with renal impairment (especially if dialysis is required) and in patients on high doses and/or prolonged therapy. Symptoms include dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus, roaring in the ears and also hearing loss, which, as with the other aminoglycosides, may be irreversible. Hearing loss is usually manifested initially by diminution of high-tone acuity. Other factors which may increase the risk of toxicity include excessive dosage, dehydration and previous exposure to other ototoxic drugs. Peripheral neuropathy or encephalopathy, including numbness, skin tingling, muscle twitching, convulsions, and a myasthenia gravis-like syndrome, have been reported. NOTE: The risk of toxic reactions is low in patients with normal renal function who do not receive gentamicin sulfate at higher doses or for longer periods of time than recommended. Other reported adverse reactions possibly related to gentamicin include: Respiratory depression, lethargy, confusion, depression, visual disturbances, decreased appetite, weight loss and hypotension and hypertension; rash, itching, urticaria, generalized burning, laryngeal edema, anaphylactoid reactions, fever, and headache; nausea, vomiting, increased salivation, and stomatitis; purpura, pseudotumor cerebri, acute organic brain syndrome, pulmonary fibrosis, alopecia, joint pain, transient hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. Laboratory abnormalities possibly related to gentamicin include: Increased levels of serum transaminase (SGOT, SGPT), serum LDH and bilirubin; decreased serum calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium; anemia, leukopenia, granulocytopenia, transient agranulocytosis, eosinophilia, increased and decreased reticulocyte counts and thrombocytopenia. While clinical laboratory test abnormalities may be isolated findings, they may also be associated with clinically related signs and symptoms. For example, tetany and muscle weakness may be associated with hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia and hypokalemia. While local tolerance of gentamicin sulfate is generally excellent, there has been an occasional report of pain at the injection site. Subcutaneous atrophy or fat necrosis suggesting local irritation has been reported rarely.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy (see WARNINGS section).
Overdosage
In the event of overdosage or toxic reactions, hemodialysis may aid in the removal of gentamicin from the blood, and is especially important if renal function is, or becomes compromised. The rate of removal of gentamicin is considerably less by peritoneal dialysis than it is by hemodialysis.
Description
Gentamicin Sulfate Injection, USP is a sterile, nonpyrogenic solution of gentamicin sulfate in water for injection. It is administered by the intramuscular or intravenous route. Each milliliter (mL) contains gentamicin sulfate equivalent to 40 mg gentamicin base with sodium metabisulfite 2.9 mg and edetate disodium anhydrous 0.1 mg added as stabilizer, methylparaben 1.8 mg and propylparaben 0.2 mg added as preservatives. Headspace nitrogen gassed. May contain sulfuric acid and/or sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment. The pH is 3.8 (3.0 to 5.5). Gentamicin is classified as an aminoglycoside antibiotic and is derived from Micromonospora purpurea , an actinomycete. The chemical name for gentamicin C 1A is: 0-3-Deoxy-4-C-methyl-3-(methylamino)-β-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→6)-0-[2,6-diamino-2,3,4,6-tetradeoxy-α-D-erythro-hexopyranosyl-(1→4)]-2-deoxy-D-streptamine. Gentamicin Sulfate, USP is chemically designated gentamicin sulfate, a white to buff powder soluble in water. It has the following structural formula: structural formula gentamicin sulfate
How supplied
Gentamicin Sulfate Injection, USP containing gentamicin 40 mg/mL is supplied as follows: Unit of Sale Concentration NDC 0409-1207-03 Tray containing 25 single-dose vials 80 mg/2 mL (40 mg/mL) Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.]
Patient information
Information for Patients Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including gentamicin should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When gentamicin is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by gentamicin or other antibacterial drugs in the future.
Label text from the FDA structured product label by Hospira, Inc. (revised May 20, 2026). Long sections are shortened; the complete label is on DailyMed.
Active ingredients
- Gentamicin Sulfate in 25 products
Gentamicin Sulfate NDC products (25)
| NDC | Strength & form | Labeler | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50090-0569 | Gentamicin Sulfate 3 mg/mL Solution/ Drops | A-S Medication Solutions | ANDA |
| 76420-254 | Gentamicin Sulfate 3 mg/mL Solution/ Drops | Asclemed USA, Inc. | ANDA |
| 76420-137 | Gentamicin Sulfate 3 mg/mL Solution | Asclemed USA, Inc. | ANDA |
| 24208-580 | Gentamicin Sulfate 3 mg/mL Solution/ Drops | Bausch & Lomb Incorporated | ANDA |
| 55154-2392 | Gentamicin Sulfate 40 mg/mL Injection, Solution | Cardinal Health 107, LLC | ANDA |
| 0713-0682 | Gentamicin Sulfate 1 mg/g Ointment | Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | ANDA |
| 0713-0683 | Gentamicin Sulfate 1 mg/g Cream | Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | ANDA |
| 61919-106 | Gentamicin Sulfate 3 mg/mL Solution/ Drops | DIRECT RX | ANDA |
| 0404-9865 | Gentamicin Sulfate 40 mg/mL Injection, Solution | Henry Schein, Inc. | ANDA |
| 51662-1597 | Gentamicin Sulfate 40 mg/mL Injection, Solution | HF Acquisition Co LLC, DBA HealthFirst | ANDA |
| 0409-1207 | Gentamicin Sulfate 40 mg/mL Injection, Solution | Hospira, Inc. | ANDA |
| 71872-7216 | Gentamicin Sulfate 40 mg/mL Injection, Solution | Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC | ANDA |
| 71872-7337 | Gentamicin Sulfate 40 mg/mL Injection, Solution | Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC | ANDA |
| 66267-971 | Gentamicin Sulfate 3 mg/mL Solution/ Drops | NuCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | ANDA |
| 68071-3554 | Gentamicin Sulfate 3 mg/mL Solution/ Drops | NuCare Pharmaceuticals,Inc. | ANDA |
| 68071-4775 | Gentamicin Sulfate 3 mg/mL Solution | NuCare Pharmaceuticals,Inc. | ANDA |
| 68071-4827 | Gentamicin Sulfate 3 mg/mL Solution/ Drops | NuCare Pharmaceuticals,Inc. | ANDA |
| 45802-056 | Gentamicin Sulfate 1 mg/g Cream | Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd | ANDA |
| 45802-046 | Gentamicin Sulfate 1 mg/g Ointment | Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd | ANDA |
| 68788-8592 | Gentamicin Sulfate 3 mg/mL Solution/ Drops | Preferred Pharmaceuticals Inc. | ANDA |
| 63187-560 | Gentamicin Sulfate 3 mg/mL Solution/ Drops | Proficient Rx LP | ANDA |
| 63187-764 | Gentamicin Sulfate 3 mg/mL Solution/ Drops | Proficient Rx LP | ANDA |
| 71205-333 | Gentamicin Sulfate 3 mg/mL Solution | Proficient Rx LP | ANDA |
| 71205-560 | Gentamicin Sulfate 1 mg/g Ointment | Proficient Rx LP | ANDA |
| 61314-633 | Gentamicin Sulfate 3 mg/mL Solution | Sandoz Inc | ANDA |
Gentamicin Sulfate recalls
- D-686-2013 Jul 17, 2013 · Class II · Terminated
Presence of Particulate Matter: visible particles were identified floating in the primary container.
Frequently asked questions
What is Gentamicin Sulfate used for?
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of gentamicin and other antibacterial drugs, gentamicin should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial…
What are the side effects of Gentamicin Sulfate?
Nephrotoxicity: Adverse renal effects, as demonstrated by the presence of casts, cells or protein in the urine or by rising BUN, NPN, serum creatinine or oliguria, have been reported. They occur more frequently in patients with a history of renal impairment and in patients treated for longer periods or with larger dosages than recommended. Neurotoxicity: Serious adverse effects on both vestibular… See the full label for the complete list.
Who makes Gentamicin Sulfate?
Gentamicin Sulfate is listed by 16 labelers in the FDA NDC directory, including A-S Medication Solutions, Asclemed USA, Inc., Bausch & Lomb Incorporated, Cardinal Health 107, LLC.
Has Gentamicin Sulfate been recalled?
The FDA enforcement database lists 1 recall for Gentamicin Sulfate, most recently D-686-2013 (class ii): Presence of Particulate Matter: visible particles were identified floating in the primary container.