Can Gentamicin Be Taken Orally?

There are many types of diseases caused by bacterial infections, and treatment with medication needs to be tailored to the specific condition. Gentamicin is a drug that can be used to treat diseases caused by bacterial infections, such as neonatal septicemia, sepsis, respiratory infections, peritonitis, biliary infections, and other illnesses caused by sensitive bacteria. When using this medication, it is important to follow the guidance of a doctor as it is a prescription drug that should not be used randomly by patients themselves.

So, can gentamicin be taken orally? Gentamicin granules are formulated for oral administration. When taken orally, the dosage must be carefully followed. Typically, adults should take 80 to 160 milligrams at a time, three to four times a day. However, for children, the dosage needs to be determined based on their age and weight, generally 10 to 15 milligrams per kilogram per day, taken three to four times a day. Gentamicin granules have many beneficial effects, but improper use can also cause inconvenience and adverse effects to patients. Therefore, it is essential to follow the doctor's advice and instructions when taking the medication.

Additionally, if symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or abdominal pain accompanied by diarrhea occur, it is recommended to stop taking the medication and consult a doctor to identify the cause. Gentamicin granules are soluble, so they can be taken with warm water for children. However, it is crucial to pay attention to the dosage and not to take too much as overdosing can easily lead to other adverse symptoms and discomfort. Therefore, we must be cautious when taking the medication and it is advisable to consult a doctor before starting treatment.

Indications for Gentamicin:

1. It is suitable for the treatment of neonatal septicemia and sepsis caused by sensitive bacteria.

2. It is suitable for the treatment of respiratory infections, peritonitis, biliary infections, and other illnesses caused by sensitive bacteria.

3. It is suitable for the treatment of urogenital infections caused by sensitive bacteria (excluding uncomplicated initial urinary tract infections).

4. It is suitable for the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections, burn infections, and other conditions caused by sensitive bacteria.

5. Oral administration can be used for intestinal infections or as a preparation before colon surgery.

6. Intramuscular injection combined with clindamycin or metronidazole can be used to reduce the incidence of post-colon surgery infections.

7. Intra-thecal injection can be used as an adjuvant treatment for severe central nervous system infections (acute suppurative meningitis, ventriculitis) caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus.

8. Gentamicin can also be used to treat Listeria monocytogenes infections.

9. Gentamicin eye drops are suitable for the treatment of conjunctivitis, keratitis, dacryocystitis, blepharitis, chalazion, and other conditions caused by coagulase-negative and positive Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, other Gram-negative bacilli, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.