What are the functions, benefits, and side effects of gentamicin?

     In general, gentamicin is available in various dosage forms including tablets, capsules, and granules. The functions and effects of gentamicin include treating respiratory tract infections, urinary and reproductive tract infections, managing intra-abdominal infections, addressing sepsis, and treating ear infections. Side effects of gentamicin may include vestibular dysfunction, hearing loss, nephrotoxicity, neuromuscular blockade, and allergic reactions. If gentamicin is required, it is recommended to use it under medical guidance. A detailed explanation is as follows:

     I. Functions and Effects of Gentamicin

     1. Treatment of Respiratory Tract Infections

     This medication is effective against respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis caused by bacteria like Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus species. Gentamicin inhibits bacterial growth, reduces inflammation, and alleviates symptoms such as coughing, sputum production, and fever.

     2. Anti-Infective Effects on the Urinary and Reproductive Tracts

     Gentamicin can be used for urinary and reproductive tract infections caused by Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and other pathogens, including urethritis, cystitis, and pyelonephritis. It helps eliminate pathogens and improve symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and painful urination.

     3. Management of Intra-Abdominal Infections

     For intra-abdominal bacterial infections such as peritonitis and intra-abdominal abscesses caused by Escherichia coli, Enterobacter species, and others, gentamicin controls the spread of infection by killing bacteria and promotes resolution of inflammation.

     4. Management of Sepsis

     When bacteria enter the bloodstream and cause sepsis, gentamicin exhibits antibacterial activity against multiple common pathogens responsible for sepsis, helping to control the condition and reduce its severity and risk of complications.

     5. Treatment of Ear Infections

     In treating bacterial infections of the middle or external ear, such as otitis externa and suppurative otitis media, gentamicin exerts antibacterial effects, helping to eliminate inflammation and relieve symptoms such as ear pain and discharge.

     II. Side Effects of Gentamicin

     1. Vestibular Dysfunction

     Gentamicin may selectively damage hair cells in the inner ear's vestibular organ, interfering with signal transmission in the vestibular nerve, which can lead to symptoms of vestibular dysfunction such as dizziness and nausea.

     2. Hearing Loss

     The drug may accumulate within cochlear hair cells, causing damage that affects the transmission and perception of sound signals, potentially leading to tinnitus, hearing impairment, or even deafness.

     3. Nephrotoxicity

     Gentamicin reaches high concentrations in the kidneys and may damage renal tubular epithelial cells, affecting the kidney's filtration and reabsorption functions, which can result in nephrotoxic manifestations such as proteinuria and hematuria.

     4. Neuromuscular Blockade

     Gentamicin can bind to calcium-binding sites on the presynaptic membrane at neuromuscular junctions, inhibiting acetylcholine release and blocking signal transmission between nerves and muscles, potentially leading to muscle weakness and respiratory depression.

     5. Allergic Reactions

     As a foreign substance, gentamicin may activate the human immune system, triggering an excessive immune response that releases inflammatory mediators such as histamine, leading to allergic symptoms such as rash and itching.

     In daily life, if gentamicin sulfate is required, it must be strictly used under medical supervision. Self-medication or arbitrary adjustment of dosage and duration of treatment should be avoided.