Aminoglycosides are a class of antibiotics used to treat serious bacterial infections, such as those caused by gram-negative bacteria (especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa).
Aminoglycosides include the following:
Amikacin
Gentamicin
Kanamycin
Neomycin
Plazomicin
Streptomycin
Tobramycin
Spectinomycin is chemically related to aminoglycosides and works in a similar way. It is not available in the United States.
Aminoglycosides work by preventing bacteria from producing proteins they need to grow and multiply.
Aminoglycosides
Medication | Common Uses | Some Potential Side Effects |
|---|---|---|
Amikacin Gentamicin Kanamycin Neomycin Plazomicin Streptomycin Tobramycin | Infections caused by gram-negative bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella species | Hearing loss Dizziness Kidney damage |
Aminoglycosides are poorly absorbedinto the bloodstream when taken by mouth (orally), so they are usually injected into a vein or sometimes a muscle. Neomycin is available only for topical (applied directly to the skin) or oral use (oral aminoglycosides can be used to decontaminate the digestive tract because they are not absorbed). These antibiotics are usually used with another antibiotic that is effective against many types of bacteria (called a broad-spectrum antibiotic).
All aminoglycosides can damage the ears and kidneys. So doctors monitor the dose carefully and, if possible, often choose a different type of antibiotic.
(See also Overview of Antibiotics.)
Use of Aminoglycosides During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If aminoglycosides are taken during pregnancy harmful effects on the fetus (such as hearing loss) are possible, but sometimes the benefits of treatment may outweigh the risks. (See also Safety of Medications During Pregnancy.)
Use of aminoglycosides during breastfeeding is generally considered acceptable. (See also Medication and Substance Use During Breastfeeding.)
