Aminoglycosides - Actions

• excert effect by blocking a step in protein synthesis needed for bacterial multiplication.
• Disrupt the functiona ability of the bacterial cell wall, causing death.

Aminglycosides - Uses

• primarily in tx of infections caused by gram-negative microorganisms.
• Bowel Preparation - reduction of bacterial flora in bowel prior to surgery reducing risk of infection (Kanamycin and Neomycin).
  • or when pt is in a hepatic coma (Kanamycin, Neomycin and paromomycin).
• Poorly absorbed - there fore useful in supressing G.I. bacteria.

Aminoglycosides - Adverse Reactions

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity, hypersensitivity reactions, neurotoxicity, superinfections, neuromuscular blockade, Anorexia, Urticaria

Aminoglycosides - Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity
• Preexisting hearing loss
• Myasthenia Gravis
• Parkinsonism
• Pregnancy and Lactation: except for neomycin, amikacin, gentamicin, kanamycin, netilmicin and tobramycin.

Aminoglycosides - Precautions

• elderly patients
• patients with renal failure
• patients with neuromuscular disorders

Aminoglycosides - Interactions

• Cephalosporins - Anti-infective agent
  • Increased risk of nephrotoxicity
• Loop diuretics - Management of edema and water retention
  • Increased risk of ototoxicity
• Pavulon or Anectine - Anesthesia
  • Increased risk of neuromuscular blockade

Aminoglycosides - Names

Generic                                          Trade                  

Amikacin                                  Amikin               

Gentamicin                                                        

Kanamycin                                Kantrex              

Neomycin                                                          

Paramycin sulfate                      Humetin             

Streptomycin                                                     

Tobramycin