MDose · Veterinary drug reference
GENTAMICIN
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Source overview
Recorded excerpts for one species. Each dose remains a separate source entry; no regimen is selected.
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Pending clinical review (PROPOSED)Rule-based (RULE_BASED)— applies to the facts and dose entries in this species selection; individual source records retain their own status.
Indications3
Serious gram-negative aerobic infections / staphylococci when safer drugs lack susceptibility or empiric coverage is urgent (sepsis, soft tissue/orthopedic, bacteremia)
DogCatExtra-label (EXTRA_LABEL)2 source records · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 567–569; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 353–354 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Serious gram-negative aerobic infections / staphylococci when safer drugs lack susceptibility or empiric coverage is urgent (sepsis, soft tissue/orthopedic, bacteremia) — FDA-approved parenteral (dogs/cats); often extra-label by regimen
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 567–569; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 353–354 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Serious gram-negative aerobic infections / staphylococci when safer drugs lack susceptibility or empiric coverage is urgent (sepsis, soft tissue/orthopedic, bacteremia) — FDA-approved parenteral (dogs/cats); often extra-label by regimen
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 567–569; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 353–354 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Brucellosis combination protocol (with minocycline/doxycycline)
DogExtra-label (EXTRA_LABEL)1 source record · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 567–569; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 353–354 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Brucellosis combination protocol (with minocycline/doxycycline) — Extra-label
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 567–569; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 353–354 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Dose regimens6
This calculator performs arithmetic only on the sourced dosing field shown for each result — it does not verify the field's accuracy, does not select which field to use for a patient, and does not replace a veterinarian's order. Not for clinical use. Confirm every result against the primary source before dispensing.
Choose one species above to view its dose calculator.
Adverse effects203
Nephrotoxicity — worse than amikacin — Tubular necrosis; usually reversible if stopped early
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 567–569; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 353–354 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Ototoxicity — leans VESTIBULAR (vs amikacin's auditory) — May be irreversible
CatNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 567–569; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 353–354 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Neuromuscular blockade — Myasthenia gravis risk
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 567–569; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 353–354 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
These are counts of spontaneously reported events, not proven adverse effects, causal relationships, or incidence rates.
Bars compare report counts within each species; they do not show incidence.
More reportsFewer reportsDog
- Deafness2,101 reports
- Loss of hearing623 reports
- Temporary deafness489 reports
- Partial deafness384 reports
- Vomiting343 reports
- PR-EAR(S), LESION(S)321 reports
- Lack of efficacy - NOS298 reports
- Lethargy (see also Central nervous system depression in 'Neurological')208 reports
- Diarrhoea192 reports
- Emesis187 reports
- Hearing affected163 reports
- Other abnormal test result NOS128 reports
Cat
- Ataxia34 reports
- Anorexia29 reports
- Deafness29 reports
- Vomiting24 reports
- Death by euthanasia22 reports
- Head tilt - ear disorder17 reports
- Depression15 reports
- Lack of efficacy - NOS15 reports
- Weight loss15 reports
- Lethargy (see also Central nervous system depression in 'Neurological')13 reports
- Vestibular disorder NOS13 reports
- Horner's syndrome12 reports
Monitoring1
Urine sediment + BUN/creatinine q2–3 days; serum levels if extended therapy (peak/trough); hearing/vestibular watch in cats
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 567–569; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 353–354 — Monitoring Parameters · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Precautions5
Gentamicin assay artifact: beta-lactams falsely lower stored-sample levels — freeze samples, draw at beta-lactam trough.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 567–569; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 353–354 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Same risk set as amikacin: renal disease, neonate/geriatric, dehydration/fever/sepsis, working dogs, sighthounds (reduce dose); rabbits contraindicated
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 567–569; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 353–354 — Contraindications & Warnings table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Gentamicin = vestibular ototoxicity; amikacin = auditory — either can do both, but the exam leans this way. Cats: vestibular sensitivity.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 567–569; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 353–354 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Once-daily dosing logic identical to amikacin (peaks drive kill; low troughs spare the kidney) — exceptions: neutropenia (q8h), renal impairment (extend interval + TDM).
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 567–569; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 353–354 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Brucellosis protocol: gentamicin 5 mg/kg SC q24h weeks 1 & 4 + minocycline (or doxycycline) 25 mg/kg PO q24h × 4 weeks, repeated courses with serologic monitoring.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 567–569; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 353–354 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Interactions5
Loop/osmotic diuretics (furosemide, torsemide, mannitol) — ↑ nephro/ototoxicity
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 567–569; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 353–354 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Other nephrotoxins (amphotericin B, cisplatin, polymyxin B, vancomycin) — Additive renal injury
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 567–569; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 353–354 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Cephalosporins — Possible additive nephrotoxicity (historical, cephaloridine/cephalothin era)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 567–569; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 353–354 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Beta-lactams — Synergy (Pseudomonas) — separate in vitro mixing; in-vivo inactivation in renal failure
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 567–569; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 353–354 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Neuromuscular blockers/anesthetics — Potentiated blockade
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 567–569; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 353–354 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pharmacokinetics2
Class PK — As amikacin: extracellular distribution, renal elimination unchanged, negligible oral absorption
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 567–569; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 353–354 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Half-life — Short (~1–2 h small animals), prolonged in renal failure
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 567–569; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 353–354 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pregnancy / lactation considerations1
Category C / class C — last resort; fetal ototoxicity possible; milk passage.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 567–569; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 353–354 — Pregnancy & Lactation · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Literature references14
References are linked to this drug. Species applicability is not recorded here, so the species filter does not narrow this list. Imported dates do not retain their original precision; confirm dates in the original citation.
- Comparative evaluation of nephrotoxicity and antibacterial activity of free and liposomal gentamicin in rats: Biochemical, molecular and histopathological analysis.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Carvacrol potentiates gentamicin against Staphylococcus aureus via disrupting bacterial respiratory bioenergetics.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Shelter dogs and cats as a one health interface for phenotypic and genomic surveillance of antimicrobial-resistant Enterococcus Spp. in the United Arab Emirates.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Nitrendipine synergizes with multiple antibiotics against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by disrupting membrane homeostasis.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Antimicrobial prophylaxis regimens in joint replacement surgery: Susceptibility and PK/PD target attainment.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
Sources: PubMed, National Library of Medicine; openFDA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Plumb DC. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 7th ed. PharmaVet Inc; 2011.
Owner information handout
Plain-language medication information to review with the owner. Open the handout to print it or download a PDF.
Available products
Products listed in the Health Canada Drug Product Database for this active ingredient. A listing does not establish that a product is authorized for the clinical uses described on this page.