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Gentamicin

PrescriptionCDSCO approved
Aminoglycoside antibiotic
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Interactions
4 documented
Formulations
3

Mechanism of action

Binds irreversibly to the 30S ribosomal subunit, causing misreading of mRNA and bactericidal activity against gram-negative aerobes

At a glance

Class
Aminoglycoside antibiotic
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C, do not freeze
CDSCO (India)
Vet-approved — 1975-01

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Severe gram-negative infections (sepsis, pyelonephritis)
Dose
6–14 mg/kg
Route
IV, IM, SC
Frequency
SID
Max dose
500 mg
Duration: 5-7 days maximum
🐈

Cat

Severe gram-negative infections
Dose
5–8 mg/kg
Route
IV, IM, SC
Frequency
SID
Max dose
100 mg
Duration: 5-7 days maximum
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💉

Injectable — 2

Strength
40mg/mL
Available in India
Strength
80mg/2mL
Available in India
🧴

Ophthalmic solution — 1

Strength
0.3%
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C, do not freeze

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Pre-existing renal disease
    Nephrotoxic — contraindicated in renal compromise
  • Concurrent nephrotoxic drugs
    Synergistic nephrotoxicity
    FurosemideAmphotericin BCisplatinNSAIDs

Use with caution

  • Dehydration
    Correct dehydration before use — renal toxicity increased in hypovolemic patients
  • Neonates
    Immature renal function increases toxicity risk

Adverse effects

Common
Pain at injection site
Serious
Nephrotoxicity (ATN)
Ototoxicity (vestibular)
Neuromuscular blockade

Monitoring parameters

BUN/Creatinine (before and during treatment)Urinalysis (casts, proteinuria)Vestibular functionTrough serum levels if available
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Interactions

Contraindicated — 1

Amphotericin B
contraindicated
Both are nephrotoxic; combined use causes additive/synergistic renal damage
Management: Avoid concurrent use. If both required, use sequential therapy with renal monitoring between courses.

Major — 1

Furosemide
major
Both are ototoxic and nephrotoxic; furosemide enhances aminoglycoside ototoxicity
Management: Avoid concurrent use if possible. If unavoidable, monitor renal function (BUN/creatinine) and hearing closely.

Moderate — 2

Cephalexin
moderate
Both can be nephrotoxic; cephalosporins may potentiate aminoglycoside nephrotoxicity
Management: Monitor renal function (BUN/creatinine/urine sediment). Ensure adequate hydration.
Ampicillin
moderate
Synergistic antibacterial effect but additive nephrotoxicity risk
Management: Used intentionally for synergy against enterococci. Monitor renal function closely.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Brands

International

Garamycin
MSD

India

Genticyn
Abbott
Gentavet
Intas

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Gentamicin?
Gentamicin is a aminoglycoside antibiotic used in pets. Binds irreversibly to the 30S ribosomal subunit, causing misreading of mRNA and bactericidal activity against gram-negative aerobes
›What is Gentamicin used for in pets?
Gentamicin is used in veterinary medicine for: Severe gram-negative infections (sepsis, pyelonephritis); Severe gram-negative infections.
›What is the Gentamicin dose for dogs?
For dogs, Gentamicin is typically dosed as follows — Severe gram-negative infections (sepsis, pyelonephritis): 6–14 mg/kg IV/IM/SC SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Gentamicin dose for cats?
For cats, Gentamicin is typically dosed as follows — Severe gram-negative infections: 5–8 mg/kg IV/IM/SC SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Gentamicin?
Common: Pain at injection site. Serious (call your vet immediately): Nephrotoxicity (ATN), Ototoxicity (vestibular), Neuromuscular blockade.
›Does Gentamicin need a prescription?
Yes. Gentamicin is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Gentamicin not be used?
Do not use Gentamicin if: Pre-existing renal disease; Concurrent nephrotoxic drugs.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Aminoglycoside antibiotic).

Amikacin
Rx
Bactericidal; binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit causing mRNA misreading and protein synthesis inhibition. Concentration-dependent killing. Active against many gram-negative bacteria including those resistant to gentamicin.
dogcat
Gentamicin (Systemic)
Rx
Bactericidal; binds 30S ribosomal subunit causing mRNA misreading and protein synthesis inhibition. Concentration-dependent killing with significant post-antibiotic effect. Active against aerobic gram-negative bacteria including Pseudomonas.
dogcat
Neomycin
Rx
Bactericidal antibiotic that binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit, causing misreading of mRNA and inhibiting protein synthesis. Poorly absorbed from the GI tract after oral administration.
dogcat
Paromomycin
Rx
Aminoglycoside antibiotic poorly absorbed from GI tract, providing luminal antimicrobial activity against intestinal protozoa and bacteria. Binds 30S ribosomal subunit causing protein synthesis errors. Active against Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and Entamoeba.
dogcat
Tobramycin
Rx
Binds irreversibly to the 30S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis; concentration-dependent bactericidal activity, particularly effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
dogcat
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