Definition

Noun 1. An antibiotic medication: Gentamicin is a type of antibiotic drug derived from bacteria of the genus Micromonospora. It is effective against a wide range of serious bacterial infections.

Usage and Examples

• Gentamicin is primarily used to treat severe infections caused by susceptible bacteria.
• It is often administered in a hospital setting due to its potency and potential side effects.
• Example: "The doctor prescribed gentamicin to combat the patient's life-threatening septicemia."
• Example: "For certain eye infections, gentamicin is formulated as an ointment or drops."

Advanced Usage and Notes

• Administration: Gentamicin is typically given by injection (intramuscular or intravenous) for systemic infections. Topical forms (creams, ointments, ear/eye drops) are used for localized infections.
• Medical Context: It belongs to the aminoglycoside class of antibiotics. Its use requires careful monitoring of kidney function and drug levels in the blood due to potential toxicity.
• Example in a Medical Context: "The patient's renal function and peak/trough gentamicin levels must be monitored closely during therapy."

Variants and Related Words

• Garamycin: A common trade name for gentamicin.
• Aminoglycoside: The class of antibiotics to which gentamicin belongs. Other examples include tobramycin and amikacin.

Synonyms and Near-Synonyms

• Antibiotic (general term)
• Aminoglycoside antibiotic (specific class)

Important Notes (Not Idioms or Phrasal Verbs)

• Gentamicin is not effective against viral infections like the common cold or flu.
• Misuse or overuse can lead to antibiotic resistance.
• Potential serious side effects include damage to the kidneys (nephrotoxicity) and hearing/balance (ototoxicity).

Noun

1. an antibiotic (trade name Garamycin) that is derived from an actinomycete; used in treating infections of the urinary tract