KEY POINTS
- Amikacin, tobramycin and gentamicin are the most commonly used IV aminoglycosides
- Primarily used versus Gram negative bacteria, but may be used for Gram positive synergy
- Work by interfering with bacterial protein synthesis – bind to 30S and 50S ribosomal subunits, resulting in a defective bacterial cell membrane
- Exhibit concentration-dependent bacterial killing (higher peak levels means more bacterial killing)
- Nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity are potential side effects
- Adjust doses for kidney impairment
- Monitoring drug levels may be indicated
RESOURCES
- Tobramycin Package Insert
- Gentamicin Package Insert
- Amikacin Package Insert
- Streptomycin Package Insert
- Nebraska Stewardship Program PK Training Content
- University Of Miami/ Jackson Memorial Hospital Dosing Guide
- Basics Of Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics
- PK-PD Compass
- IDSA Practice Guidelines
- Surgical Prophylaxis Guidelines
