Gento

Gento Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Gento is a brand name. Its generic name is Gentamicin.

Gento Introduction

Gento is an antibiotic in the aminoglycoside family. It is usually prescribed to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Gento is available in injection, ointment, capsule, and eye drop form.

Uses for Gento

Gento is used to treat serious bacterial infections including pneumonia, meningitis, septicemia, endocarditis, and urinary tract infections. It is also used to prevent post-operative infections.

Mechanism of Action

Gento works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. It binds to and alters the ribosomes in bacterial cells, blocking vital processes leading to cell death.

How Long Does it Take to Work?

The effects of gentamicin begin within one to two hours after administration. Depending on the severity of infection, improvement may be noticed in as early as 24 hours.

Absorption

Gento is poorly absorbed when taken orally. When administered intravenously (IV), it is rapidly and completely absorbed.

Route of Elimination

Gento is eliminated mainly in the kidney, with only a small amount being excreted in the faeces.

Dosage

The dosage of gentamicin varies depending on the individual and the type of infection being treated. Typical doses in adults and children over 12 years of age include:

  • IV route: 2-3 mg/kg per day, divided into 2 or 3 doses a day
  • Oral route: 2-3 mg/kg/day, divided into 2 or 3 doses a day.

Administration

Gento can be administered intravenously (IV) or orally. It can also be administered transdermally as an ointment to treat infected skin.

Side Effects

Common side effects of gentamicin include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rash, itching, headache, dizziness, vertigo, and tinnitus.

Toxicity

Gento is potentially toxic. It can cause permanent hearing loss, kidney damage, and neuromuscular paralysis. It is important not to exceed the recommended dose.

Precaution

Gento should be used with caution in people with impaired renal or hepatic function, as well as those with hearing impairment. It should not be used to treat viral infections.

Interaction

Gento can interact with certain drugs, such as other antibiotics, seizure medications, and diuretics. Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking to avoid potential drug interactions.

Disease Interaction

Gento can increase the risk of kidney damage in people with diabetes. It can also increase the risk of hearing impairment in people with myasthenia gravis and muscular dystrophy.

Drug Interaction

Gento can interact with other medications including antibiotics, seizure medications, and diuretics. Tell your doctor about all drugs you are taking to avoid potential drug interactions.

Food Interactions

Gento may interact with certain foods, such as dairy products. It is important to take gentamicin on an empty stomach or several hours after meals.

Pregnancy Use

Gento is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. However, it should be used with caution in women with preterm labor, as extra caution should be taken to prevent early delivery.

Lactation Use

Gento is generally considered safe to use while breastfeeding. However, it is important to tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding before taking gentamicin.

Acute Overdose

Overdosing on gentamicin can cause hearing loss, kidney damage, nephrotoxicity, and central nervous system toxicity. If an overdose is suspected, seek medical attention immediately.

Contraindications

Gento should not be used by people with previous allergy to gentamicin or other aminoglycosides. It should also be avoided in patients who suffer from neuromuscular diseases.

Use Direction

Gento should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than the recommended dose, and do not stop taking gentamicin without consulting your doctor.

Storage Conditions

Gento should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place (preferably a refrigerator). Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution (Vd) for gentamicin is 0.36-0.6 liters/kg. This means that gentamicin is widely distributed throughout the body and can reach all body tissues.

Half Life

The half-life of gentamicin is 2-3 hours. This means that half of the drug will be eliminated from the body in 2-3 hours after administration.

Clearance

The clearance of gentamicin from the body is relatively rapid (3-5 mL/min/kg). Therefore, frequent dosing is necessary to maintain an effective therapeutic concentration.

Here you find in details version of Gento

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Gento

1. What is Gento?

Gento is an antibiotic used to treat a wide range of infections caused by certain bacteria.

2. How does Gento work?

Gento works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. It does this by preventing the bacteria from making proteins that they need to survive and multiply.

3. What is Gento used to treat?

Gento is used to treat a wide range of infections caused by certain bacteria, including skin, urinary tract, ear, respiratory, and intra-abdominal infections.

4. Who should not take Gento?

People who are allergic to Gento or any other antibiotic in the aminoglycoside family should not take Gento.

5. What are the potential side effects of Gento?

Common side effects of Gento include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash. Other possible side effects include dizziness, hearing loss, and kidney damage.

6. What should I do if I experience a side effect from taking Gento?

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any side effects while taking Gento.

7. Is there an age limit to taking Gento?

Gento is safe to use in both adults and children, but dosage may vary depending on a person’s age and body weight.

8. Is it safe to use Gento while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Gento should only be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding if the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Contact your healthcare provider for more information.

9. How is Gento taken?

Gento is usually taken by mouth in tablet or capsule form, or as an intravenous or intramuscular injection.

10. How often should Gento be taken?

The frequency and duration of treatment with Gento depend on the type and severity of the infection being treated. Your healthcare provider can provide specific dosing instructions.

11. What happens if I miss a dose of Gento?

If you miss a dose of Gento, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.

12. What should I avoid while taking Gento?

You should avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery while taking Gento as it may cause dizziness. Alcohol should also be avoided while taking Gento.

13. Is Gento safe for long-term use?

Gento should not be used for long-term treatment unless absolutely necessary, as it may lead to the development of resistance to the antibiotic.

14. Is a prescription required for Gento?

Yes, a prescription is required for Gento.

15. Can Gento be bought over-the-counter?

No, Gento is a prescription-only medication and cannot be bought over-the-counter.

16. Is Gento available as a generic?

Yes, Gento is available as a generic medication.

17. Is Gento covered by insurance?

Yes, most insurance plans cover Gento.

18. How long does Gento take to work?

Gento usually starts to take effect within a few hours of taking the dose. It is important to complete the entire course of treatment prescribed by your healthcare provider.

19. Is Gento safe for children?

Yes, Gento is safe to use in both adults and children, but doses may vary depending on a person’s age and body weight.

20. Does Gento interact with any other drugs?

Gento can interact with other drugs and supplements, so it is important to tell your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements that you are taking before taking Gento.

21. Should I take Gento with food or on an empty stomach?

Gento should be taken with food to reduce the risk of stomach upset or nausea.

22. Can I drink alcohol while taking Gento?

No, drinking alcohol while taking Gento can increase the risk of side effects.

23. What should I do if I experience severe stomach pain or vomiting while taking Gento?

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience severe stomach pain or vomiting while taking Gento.

24. Can I take Gento with other antibiotics?

No, taking Gento with other antibiotics can lead to serious side effects. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medications and supplements you are taking before starting Gento.

25. Is it safe to take Gento while breastfeeding?

Gento should only be used during breastfeeding if the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information.

26. Is Gento safe to use if I have a pre-existing medical condition?

Gento should only be used if the potential benefits outweigh the risks to the patient. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have a pre-existing medical condition before taking Gento.

27. Is Gento safe for people with kidney or liver disease?

Gento can cause damage to the kidneys or liver if taken in high doses or for extended periods of time. People with kidney or liver disease should talk to their healthcare provider before taking Gento.

28. What should I do if I experience hearing loss while taking Gento?

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any hearing loss while taking Gento.

29. Can Gento be used to treat bacterial infections in the eye?

Gento can be used to treat bacterial infections in the eye, but it should not be used to treat viral or fungal infections.

30. Can Gento be used to treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

Yes, Gento can be used to treat some STIs such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.