Aminoglycosides

Aminoglycosides Key Points

• Bacteriocidal antibiotics active against both gram positive and negative bacteria.
• Can cause nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity in high doses (accumulation in renal failure)
• Serum concentrations should be monitored.
• Aminoglycosides are not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, they are usually administered intravenously and intramuscularly.
• Oral administration can be used for gut decontamination e.g. in hepatic encephalopathy
• Primarily exerted by the kidney