DESCRIPTION The approved drug gentamicin is a complex of three closely-related aminoglycoside sulfates: C₁, C1_a and C₂. The structure shown here is representative of the general structure of the compounds. For more information on the structure of the individual components of gentamicin, please see the relevant entries on ChEBI: (CHEBI:27412, CHEBI:27784, CHEBI:28292). (GtoPdb)

TOXICITY Mild and reversible nephrotoxicity may be observed in 5 - 25% of patients. Gentamicin accumulates in proximal renal tubular cells and causes cell damage. Tubular cell regeneration occurs despite continued drug exposure. Toxicity usually occurs several days following initiation of therapy. May cause irreversible ototoxicity. Otoxocity appears to be correlated to cumulative lifetime exposure. Drug accumulation in the endolymph and perilymph of the inner ear causes irreversible damage to hair cells of the cochlea or summit of ampullar cristae in the vestibular complex. High frequency hearing is lost first with progression leading to loss of low frequency hearing. Further toxicity may lead to retrograde degeneration of the 8th cranial (vestibulocochlear) nerve. Vestibular toxicity may cause vertigo, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and loss of balance.; Mouse, intravenous LD50: 52 mg/kg; rat, intravenous LD50: 96 mg/kg.

DESCRIPTION Gentamycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic produced by fermentation of Micromonospora purpurea or M. echinospora. Under the trade name Garamycin, it is indicated for the treatment of some bacterial infections. (BOC Sciences Bioactive Compounds)