Merck Manual

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Aminoglycosides

By

Brian J. Werth

, PharmD, University of Washington School of Pharmacy

Reviewed/Revised Jun 2022 | Modified Sep 2022
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Topic Resources

Aminoglycosides include the following:

  • Amikacin

  • Gentamicin

  • Kanamycin

  • Neomycin

  • Plazomicin

  • Streptomycin

  • Tobramycin

Spectinomycin is chemically related to aminoglycosides and works in a similar way. It is not available in the United States.

Aminoglycosides work by preventing bacteria from producing proteins they need to grow and multiply.

These antibiotics are poorly absorbed Drug Absorption Drug absorption is the movement of a drug into the bloodstream after administration. (See also Introduction to Administration and Kinetics of Drugs.) Absorption affects bioavailability—how quickly... read more into the bloodstream when taken by mouth (orally), so they are usually injected into a vein or sometimes a muscle. Neomycin is available only for topical and oral use (oral aminoglycosides can be used to decontaminate the digestive tract because they are not absorbed). These antibiotics are usually used with another antibiotic that is effective against many types of bacteria (called a broad-spectrum antibiotic).

All aminoglycosides can damage the ears and kidneys. So doctors monitor the dose carefully and, if possible, often choose a different type of antibiotic.

Use of Aminoglycosides During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Drugs Mentioned In This Article

Generic Name Select Brand Names
Amikin, Amikin Pediatric, ARIKAYCE
Garamycin, Genoptic, Genoptic SOP, Gentacidin, Gentafair, Gentak , Gentasol, Ocu-Mycin
Neo-Fradin
ZEMDRI
No brand name available
AK-Tob, BETHKIS, Kitabis Pak, Nebcin, Tobi, TOBI Podhaler, Tobrasol , Tobrex
NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
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