Consumer Law

Gentamycin linked to Hearing Loss and Kidney Damage

Gentamycin or Gentamicin (Garamycin ophthalmic) and other members of the aminoglycoside family of antibiotics (Amikacin, Kanamycin, Neomycin, Netilmicin, Paromomycin, Streptomycin, and Tobramycin) are well known for severe side effects and irreversible injuries. Gentamycin is prescribed as an ointment, a cream or as a solution to treat ear infections and eye infections, such as pinkeye, conjunctivitis. Garamycin was approved in 1997, manufactured and distributed by Schering Corp. Gentamycin sulfate, manufactured by AG Scientific, Inc. is used as an injection into a muscle or vein to prevent bateria from killing cells. Known injuries and side effects of Gentamycin include: - Vestibular damage: Damage to the inner ear and its nerves that result in dizziness, loss of balance, vertigo, unsteady and blurred vision - Hearing damage: Loss of hearing and even total deafness and tinnitis (persistent ringing in the ears). - Kidney damage: Loss of ability to maintain electroyte levels in blood (e.g., sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium) leading to heart disease. Although every healthcare professional should be familiar with these problems and alert their patients to report symptoms suggestive of the beginnings of damage, these preventable permanent injuries caused by these antibiotics continue to occur. Physicians are expected to measure blood levels of electrolytes before starting use of Gentamycin, and to continue to monitor electrolytes and also blood levels of Gentamycin regularly when using this antibiotic. Patients should be informed what symptoms are important to report to their physician immediately, so that the antibiotic can be changed. PATIENTS SHOULD NEVER SIMPLY STOP or PAUSE USE OF GENTAMYCIN OR ANY ANTIBIOTIC BECAUSE OF A REPORT SUCH AS THIS ONE OF POSSIBLE INJURY. Greater injury and even death may result by stopping use of an antibiotic without guidance from the healthcare professional. Gentamycin and other antibiotics can be used safely when appropriate medical attention is given.

Gentamycin in the News

Health Canada issues a warning to healthcare professionals about the toxic use of Garasone and Garamycin in patients with absent or perforated tympanic membranes. Adverse reactions include hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, imbalance, ataxia or oscillopcia. Heath Canada (May-30-02) In 2002, a patient was awarded $200,000 in medical malpractice case after a pharmacy did not inform the patient of the proper dosage and administration of antibiotic, Gentamycin. Subsequently, the patient suffered hearing loss, visual disturbance, and loss of balance. Lawsuit settled in Los Angeles County Superior Court. (Oct-01-02) In 2000, counterfeit drugs were imported to the U.S., one bulk substance, gentamycin sulfate, was distributed and authorities say it has been linked to 155 adverse side effects. WEBMD (Jun-08-00)

From posted 2008-03-10.