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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

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

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.

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.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
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 →

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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.
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Neomycin
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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.
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Tobramycin
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Binds irreversibly to the 30S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis; concentration-dependent bactericidal activity, particularly effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
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