Home/Medicines/Gentamicin (Systemic)

Gentamicin (Systemic)

Prescription

Aminoglycoside Antibiotic

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

2 available

Interactions

7 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

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.

At a glance

Class

Aminoglycoside Antibiotic

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store at room temperature; stable for years

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Once-daily dosing maximizes peak:MIC ratio and reduces nephrotoxicity (drug-free

Dose

9–14 mg/kg

Route

IV, IM, SQ

Frequency

q24h

🐈

Cat

Cats are more susceptible to aminoglycoside nephrotoxicity

Dose

5–8 mg/kg

Route

IV, IM, SQ

Frequency

q24h

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

💊

Other — 1

Strength

—

Storage

Store at room temperature; stable for years

Safety

Monitoring parameters

BUN, creatinine, urinalysis (casts) before and q48–72h during therapySerum trough levels (<2 mcg/mL target)Vestibular signsUrine output

Educational reference only

Interactions

Contraindicated — 2

Cisplatin

contraindicated

Both are directly nephrotoxic via different mechanisms (cisplatin: proximal tubular DNA damage; gentamicin: proximal tubular lysosomal accumulation). Combined risk of irreversible renal failure.

Management: NEVER combine. Allow renal recovery (minimum 2 weeks, confirm BUN/creatinine normalized) between agents.

Amphotericin B

contraindicated

Both are directly nephrotoxic: amphotericin B damages renal tubular cell membranes; gentamicin accumulates in proximal tubular lysosomes. Combined: severe irreversible renal failure.

Management: NEVER combine. If both antifungal and aminoglycoside needed, use fluconazole/itraconazole instead of amphotericin, or use different antibiotic class.

Major — 3

Furosemide

major

Furosemide increases aminoglycoside nephrotoxicity by concentrating gentamicin in renal tubular cells and reducing renal blood flow.

Management: Avoid concurrent use when possible. If unavoidable, ensure adequate hydration, monitor BUN/creatinine q24-48h, and use once-daily aminoglycoside dosing.

Meloxicam

major

NSAID reduces renal prostaglandin-mediated blood flow + aminoglycoside direct nephrotoxicity: synergistic renal injury.

Management: Avoid combining. If both needed, ensure aggressive IV fluid therapy and monitor renal function q24h.

Carboplatin

major

Both nephrotoxic: carboplatin (less than cisplatin but still significant at cumulative doses) + gentamicin (proximal tubular). Additive renal injury risk.

Management: Avoid concurrent use. If both needed, allow renal recovery between agents. Monitor BUN/creatinine closely.

Moderate — 2

Rocuronium

moderate

Aminoglycosides potentiate non-depolarizing neuromuscular blockade by inhibiting presynaptic ACh release and postsynaptic receptor sensitivity.

Management: If aminoglycoside given perioperatively, reduce NMBA dose and monitor TOF closely. Reversal with neostigmine may be less effective.

Vecuronium

moderate

Same aminoglycoside potentiation of non-depolarizing NMB as with rocuronium.

Management: Reduce NMBA dose. Monitor TOF. Ensure full reversal before extubation.

Educational reference only

Brands

Other markets

Gentocin

Garamycin

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Gentamicin (Systemic)?

Gentamicin (Systemic) is a aminoglycoside antibiotic used in pets. 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.

›What is Gentamicin (Systemic) used for in pets?

Gentamicin (Systemic) is used in veterinary medicine for: Once-daily dosing maximizes peak:MIC ratio and reduces nephrotoxicity (drug-free; Cats are more susceptible to aminoglycoside nephrotoxicity.

›What is the Gentamicin (Systemic) dose for dogs?

For dogs, Gentamicin (Systemic) is typically dosed as follows — Once-daily dosing maximizes peak:MIC ratio and reduces nephrotoxicity (drug-free: 9–14 mg/kg IV/IM/SQ q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Gentamicin (Systemic) dose for cats?

For cats, Gentamicin (Systemic) is typically dosed as follows — Cats are more susceptible to aminoglycoside nephrotoxicity: 5–8 mg/kg IV/IM/SQ q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›Does Gentamicin (Systemic) need a prescription?

Yes. Gentamicin (Systemic) is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

Educational reference only