Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Garamycin

Generic Name: gentamicin (Pronunciation: gen tah MY sin)

• What is gentamicin (Garamycin)?
• What are the possible side effects of gentamicin (Garamycin)?
• What is the most important information I should know about gentamicin (Garamycin)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using gentamicin (Garamycin)?
• How should I take gentamicin (Garamycin)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Garamycin)?
• What happens if I overdose (Garamycin)?
• What should I avoid while taking gentamicin (Garamycin)?
• What other drugs will affect gentamicin (Garamycin)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is gentamicin (Garamycin)?

Gentamicin is an antibiotic. It fights bacteria in the body.

Gentamicin is used to treat severe or serious bacterial infections.

Gentamicin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of gentamicin (Garamycin)?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking gentamicin and seek emergency medical attention:

• an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat; hives; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; rash; or fainting);
• little or no urine;
• decreased hearing or ringing in the ears;
• dizziness, clumsiness, or unsteadiness;
• numbness, skin tingling, muscle twitching, or seizures; or
• severe watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take gentamicin and talk to your doctor if you experience

• increased thirst;
• loss of appetite;
• nausea or vomiting;
• a rash.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about gentamicin (Garamycin)?

If you are injecting gentamicin at home, your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions on how and where to inject the medication. If you do not understand these directions, do not attempt to inject the medication. Contact your healthcare provider for further instructions.

Gentamicin may cause damage to the kidneys and/or nerves. Kidney function and drug levels in the blood may be monitored with blood tests during treatment. Tell your doctor if you experience hearing loss, dizziness, numbness, skin tingling, muscle twitching, or seizures which may be signs of nerve damage.