gentamicin
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- an antibiotic (trade name Garamycin) that is derived from an actinomycete; used in treating infections of the urinary tract