Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

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Cidomycin 80mg/2ml Solution for Injection

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.

If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Gentamicin sulfate may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.

Active substance: Gentamicin sulfate
Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

for

The name of this medicine is Cidomycin 80mg/2ml Solution for Injection (called Cidomycin throughout this leaflet). It contains a medicine called gentamicin. This belongs to a group of antibiotics called 'aminoglycosides'. Cidomycin is used to treat infections caused by bacteria. This includes infections in:  Your urinary tract (including your kidneys or bladder)  Your chest (including your lungs)  Your abdomen (including your gut)  Your brain and spinal cord  Your blood – this is sometimes called 'bacteraemia' or 'septicaemia'  Newborn babies

2.

What you need to know before you take it

e Cidomycin

Do not have Cidomycin if: X You are allergic (hypersensitive) to gentamicin, any other antibiotics or to any of the other ingredients of this medicine (see section 6). Signs of an allergic reaction include: a rash, swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of your lips, face, throat and tongue. X You have myasthenia gravis. This is a disease that causes muscle weakness. Do not have this medicine if any of the above applies to you. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or nurse before having Cidomycin. Warnings and precautions

Talk to your doctor or nurse before having Cidomycin if:  You are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby.  You are breast-feeding or are planning to breast-feed.  You have any muscle weakness problems.  You experience severe diarrhoea.  You develop severe skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) as described in section 4 "Possible side effects". If you have symptoms of a severe skin reaction, contact your doctor or nurse immediately.  if you have, or have a maternal history of mitochondrial mutation disease (a genetic condition) or loss of hearing due to antibiotic medicines, you are advised to inform your doctor or pharmacist before you take an aminoglycoside; certain mitochondrial mutations may increase your risk of hearing loss with this product. Your doctor may recommend genetic testing before administration of Cidomycin.  You are extremely overweight (obese).  You have kidney problems.  You have cystic fibrosis.  You are elderly (over 65 years of age) or the patient is less than 1 year old. Your doctor will need to monitor you before, during and shortly after your treatment. Your doctor may check your hearing, balance, how your kidneys are working and the amount of gentamicin in your blood. This is to prevent damage to your ears and/or kidneys and is particularly important if you have kidney problems, are obese, suffer from cystic fibrosis or are over 65 years of age, or the patient is less than 1 year old. If you are not sure if any of the above applies to you, talk to your doctor or nurse before having Cidomycin. Other medicines and Cidomycin Tell your doctor or nurse if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. This includes medicines you buy without a prescription, including herbal medicines. This is because Cidomycin can affect the way some other medicines work. Also, some medicines can affect the way Cidomycin works. In particular tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:  Medicines used to thin the blood such as warfarin.  Water tablets or injections (diuretics) such as furosemide or etacrynic acid.  Amphotericin B – used to treat fungal infections.  Cephalosporin antibiotics such as cephaloridine – used to treat bacterial infections.  Ciclosporin – used in organ transplants or for severe skin problems.  Neostigmine or pyridostigmine – used to treat myasthenia gravis.  Muscle relaxants – sometimes used during operations which need an anaesthetic.  Indometacin – used to treat pain or swelling.  Bisphosphonates – used to treat osteoporosis.  Cisplatin – used to treat some cancers.  Botulinum toxin – used to lower the activity of overactive muscles. This is also sometimes used in cosmetic procedures. These medicines may increase the chances of getting certain side effects. If you are unsure about any of the above, consult your doctor or nurse. Pregnancy and breast-feeding Cidomycin is not recommended during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Ask your doctor or nurse for advice before having this medicine if:  You are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby.  You are breast-feeding or are planning to breast-feed.

Cidomycin contains sodium This medicine contains less than 1mmol sodium (23mg) per 2ml vial or ampoule, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.

3.

How to have Cidomycin

Cidomycin is always given to you by a doctor or nurse. This is because it needs to be given as an injection. Having this medicine Your doctor will decide how much to give you, depending on your weight. The correct dose also depends on the type of infection and any other illnesses you may have, in particular diseases of the kidney. Tests Blood samples will be taken by your doctor or nurse to check the dose is right for you. You should not receive Cidomycin if these blood tests cannot be performed. You may also need tests to check your hearing and balance. Elderly or obese people, newborns, people with impaired kidney function and those with cystic fibrosis should be particularly closely monitored when having this medicine.

How to take it

Adults  The usual daily dose in adults is 3-5mg for each kg of body weight.  This is given either as one single dose (preferred) or split into two or three daily doses.  This dose may be increased or decreased by your doctor depending on your illness and the results of your blood tests.  If you have kidney problems your doctor may give you a lower dose or may prolong the interval between doses. Use in children and adolescents Children (aged 1 year and above)  The usual daily dose is 3-6mg for each kg of body weight.  This is given either as one single dose (preferred) or split into two separate doses. Babies (aged 4 weeks to 1 year)  The usual daily dose is 4.5-7.5mg for each kg of body weight.  This is given either as one single dose (preferred) or split into two separate doses. Premature babies or new born babies (up to 4 weeks)  The usual daily dose is 4-7mg for each kg of body weight.  This is given in one single dose. If you have more Cidomycin than prescribed It is most unlikely that you will be given too much medicine by the doctor or nurse. Your doctor or nurse will be checking your progress and checking the medicine that you are given. Ask if you are not sure why you are getting a dose of medicine. If you miss a dose of Cidomycin

Your doctor or nurse have instructions about when to give you your medicine. It is most unlikely that you will not be given the medicine as it has been prescribed. If you think that you may have missed a dose then talk to your nurse or doctor. If you stop having Cidomycin It is important that the course of treatment your doctor has prescribed is finished. You may start to feel better but it is important to continue your treatment until the doctor advises. If you stop, your infection may get worse again.

4.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Tell your doctor straight away if you notice any of the following serious side effects – you may need urgent medical treatment: Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from available data)  Allergic reactions (including serious allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis), which may include: o An itchy, lumpy rash (hives) or nettle rash (urticaria) o Swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, face, lips or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing o Fainting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded (low blood pressure)  Severe allergic reaction of the skin and mucous membranes accompanied by blistering, peeling, bleeding and reddening of any part of the skin (including the lips, eyes, mouth, nose, genitals, hands or feet) with or without a rash. You may also have flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills or aching muscles. In very severe cases this might affect inner organs and might be life-threatening (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrosis). Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if any of the following side effects happen: Very rare side effects (may affect less than 1 in 10,000 people)  Acute kidney failure, which may cause you to pass less urine than is normal for you, fluid retention, breathlessness or fatigue/tiredness Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from available data)  Temporary or irreversible hearing loss or deafness  Unusual difficulty in moving which has not happened before  Numbness, weakness and pain in the arms and legs (peripheral neuropathy)  Blood in the urine  Diarrhoea, with or without blood and/or stomach cramps  Infection with other gentamicin-resistant germs Tell your doctor or nurse if any of the following side effects gets serious or last longer than a few days. Also tell them if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)  Feeling sick (vomiting) Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from available data)  Feeling sick (nausea)  Mouth ulcers

    

Rash, itching or a purplish or reddish-brown skin colouring Depression Seeing or hearing things that are not real (hallucinations) Feeling confused, tired or weak Fits

Other possible side effects: Very rare side effects (may affect less than 1 in 10,000 people)  High levels of phosphate and amino acids (so-called Fanconi-like syndrome, associated with high doses given over a long time) Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from available data)  Changes in the number of blood cells (including anaemia) – shown up in the results of blood tests  Changes in the amount of liver enzymes – shown up in the results of blood tests  A decrease in the level of magnesium in the blood, associated with prolonged therapy Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5.

How to store it

Cidomycin

This medicine will be kept by your doctor or nurse in a safe place out of the sight and reach of children. Do not have this medicine after the expiry date. This is stated in month and year on the carton and on the label after "EXP". The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. If you are not sure when this is, check with your doctor or nurse. Do not store this medicine above 25°C. It should not be kept in a fridge or freezer. You will not be asked to store your medicine. It will be brought to you ready to be given straight away. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater. These measures will help protect the environment.

6.

Contents of the pack and other information

What Cidomycin contains  The active substance is gentamicin sulphate equivalent to 80mg of gentamicin.  The other ingredients are sulphuric acid and sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment), sodium chloride and water for injections. What Cidomycin looks like and contents of the pack The medicine is a clear, colourless solution for injection in 2ml ampoules or vials. Cidomycin is available in packs of 5 glass ampoules with an OPC (one point cut) break system and red and green rings or in packs of 5 glass vials closed with a chlorobutyl rubber stopper sealed with an aluminium capsule type flip-off. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer: Marketing Authorisation Holder Mercury Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Dashwood House, 69 Old Broad Street,

London, EC2M 1QS, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 208 588 9131 Email: [email protected] Manufacturer CENEXI HSC, 2 Rue Louis Pasteur, Herouville St Clair, 14200, France This leaflet does not contain all the information about your medicine. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or nurse. This leaflet was last revised in 03/2024

The following information is intended for healthcare professionals only: Practical information on preparation and administration of Cidomycin 80mg/2ml Solution for Injection (see also Section 3). POSOLOGY AND METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION Adults: The recommended dose in adults with normal renal function is 3-5mg/kg/day, depending on the severity of infection, administered as one single dose (preferred) or in two divided doses. The dose should be adjusted according to clinical response and serum concentration levels. Dose calculations should be based on ideal body weight. A dosing frequency of more than twice daily may be adopted for some specific pathogens or some sites of infection as recommended in national and local guidance. Once daily dosing is not recommended in cases of endocarditis, depending on the responsible pathogens. National and local guidance on treatment with gentamicin and serum level monitoring in endocarditis should be followed. In patients with normal renal function, 160mg once daily may be used for the treatment of urinary tract infections. Paediatric population: The daily dose recommended in children (aged 1 year and above) and adolescents with normal renal function, is 3-6mg/kg/day as one single dose (preferred) or two divided doses. The daily dose in infants after the first month of life is 4.5-7.5mg/kg/day as one single dose (preferred) or two divided doses. The daily dose in neonates and pre-term infants (aged 0-4 weeks old) is 4-7mg/kg/day. Due to the longer half-life, newborns are given the required daily dose in one single dose. Elderly: There is some evidence that elderly patients may be more susceptible to aminoglycoside toxicity whether secondary to previous auditory/vestibular impairment or borderline renal dysfunction. Accordingly, therapy should be closely monitored by frequent determination of gentamicin serum levels, assessment of renal function and signs of ototoxicity. Renal impairment: In impaired renal function, the recommended daily dose has to be decreased and adjusted to the renal function. This can be achieved by reducing the dose and/or increasing the dose interval. In all patients with renal impairment, serum gentamicin peak and trough concentration and renal function must be monitored frequently.

Nomograms are available for the calculation of dose, which depends on the patient's age, weight and renal function. Local guidance should be followed where available. No clear recommendation can be made for once daily dosing; dosing should be guided by plasma concentration levels. In patients with moderate renal impairment, in whom once daily dosing would be considered appropriate if their renal function were normal, the dose interval should be at least 24 hours and extended according to the degree of renal impairment and the results of serum gentamicin monitoring. Limited data are available in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30ml/min) after once daily dose administration. The following table may be useful when treating adults on multiple dose regimens: Blood Urea Creatinine clearance Dose & frequency of (GFR) administration (mg/100ml) (mmol/L) <40 6-7 > 70 80mg* 8 hourly 40-100 6-17 30-70 80mg* 12 hourly 100-200 17-34 10-30 80mg* daily >200 >34 5-10 80mg* every 48 hours Twice weekly intermittent haemodialysis <5 80mg* after dialysis *60mg if body weight <60kg. Monitoring advice: Regular serum concentration monitoring of gentamicin is recommended for all patients, and especially in the elderly, newborns, obesity and in patients with impaired renal function, as well as patients with cystic fibrosis. Gentamicin should not be prescribed if serum concentrations cannot be monitored. There are no universally accepted guidelines for therapeutic drug monitoring of gentamicin. Local monitoring and dose adjustment guidelines should be followed where available. Pre-dose ("trough level") monitoring is recommended to ensure that the interval between doses is correct. Trough levels are measured at the end of a dosing interval and should not exceed 1mg/L for once daily dosing or 2mg/L for multiple daily dosing. Levels in excess of these indicate the need to extend the interval between doses, not reduction of the dose. Post-dose ("peak level") monitoring is recommended to check the adequacy of a dose or to ensure that it is not excessive and likely to cause toxicity. Peak levels should be measured one hour after an intravenous bolus or intramuscular bolus dose, or 30 minutes after the end of an infusion. A plasma concentration <4mg/L indicates that the dose is likely to be inadequate and a dose increase should be considered; plasma concentrations >10mg/L indicate an increased risk for toxicity, particularly ototoxicity, and a dose reduction should be considered. Any change in dose should be re-assessed with pre- and post-dose levels to confirm the adequacy of the new dose and the appropriateness of the dose interval. Method of administration: The recommended dose and precautions for intramuscular and intravenous administration are identical. Gentamicin when given intravenously should be injected directly into a vein or into the drip set tubing over no less than three minutes. If administered by infusion, this should be over 20-30 minutes and in no greater volume of fluid than 100ml. Longer infusion times of up to 60 minutes may be used, in particular for a once daily dosing regimen. Once daily dosing should only be administered through the intravenous route. OVERDOSE Haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis will aid the removal from blood, but the former is probably more efficient. Calcium salts given intravenously have been used to counter the neuromuscular blockade caused by gentamicin. INCOMPATIBILITIES In general, gentamicin injection should not be mixed.

In particular the following are incompatible in mixed solution with gentamicin injection: penicillins, cephalosporins, erythromycin, heparins, sodium bicarbonate. *Dilution in the body will obviate the danger of physical and chemical incompatibility and enable gentamicin to be given concurrently with the drugs listed above either as a bolus injection into the drip tubing, with adequate flushing, or at separate sites. In the case of carbenicillin, administration should only be at a separate site. *Carbon dioxide may be liberated on addition of the two solutions. Normally this will dissolve in the solution but under some circumstances small bubbles may form. SHELF LIFE 3 years SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR STORAGE Do not store above 25°C. Do not refrigerate or freeze.

Frequently asked questions about Cidomycin 80mg/2ml Solution for Injection

How do I take Cidomycin 80mg/2ml Solution for Injection?

Cidomycin 80mg/2ml Solution for Injection comes as injection containing 80mg / 2ml. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

What is the active substance in Cidomycin 80mg/2ml Solution for Injection?

The active substance in Cidomycin 80mg/2ml Solution for Injection is gentamicin sulfate.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Cidomycin 80mg/2ml Solution for Injection, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get Cidomycin 80mg/2ml Solution for Injection without a prescription?

Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Gentamicin sulfate (12 medicines)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic with broad-spectrum bactericidal activity. It is indicated to treat severe infections caused by bacteria susceptible to gentamicin such as, but not limited to:

• Urinary tract infections

• Respiratory tract infections

• Intra-abdominal infections

• CNS infections

• Severe neonatal infections

It is usually active against most strains of the following organisms: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Proteus spp. (indole positive and indole negative), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococci, Enterobacter spp., Citrobacter spp. and Providencia spp.

Consideration should be given to official local guidance on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Posology

Adults

The recommended dose in adults with normal renal function is 3 – 5 mg/kg/day, depending on the severity of infection, administered as one single dose (preferred) or in two divided doses. The dose should be adjusted according to clinical response and serum concentration levels (see below). Dose calculations should be based on ideal body weight. A dosing frequency of more than twice daily may be adopted for some specific pathogens or some sites of infection as recommended in national and local guidance.

Once daily dosing is not recommended in cases of endocarditis, depending on the responsible pathogens. National and local guidance on treatment with gentamicin and serum level monitoring in endocarditis should be followed.

In patients with normal renal function, 160 mg once daily may be used for the treatment of urinary tract infections.

Paediatric population

The daily dose recommended in children aged 1 year and above and adolescents with normal renal function, is 3 – 6 mg/kg/day as one single dose (preferred) or two divided doses.

The daily dose in infants after the first month of life is 4.5 – 7.5 mg/kg/day as one single dose (preferred) or two divided doses.

The daily dose in neonates and pre-term infants (aged 0 – 4 weeks old) is 4 – 7 mg/kg/day. Due to the longer half-life, newborns are given the required daily dose in one single dose.

Elderly

There is some evidence that elderly patients may be more susceptible to aminoglycoside toxicity whether secondary to previous auditory/vestibular impairment or borderline renal dysfunction. Accordingly, therapy should be closely monitored by frequent determination of gentamicin serum levels, assessment of renal function and signs of ototoxicity.

Renal impairment

In impaired renal function, the recommended daily dose has to be decreased and adjusted to the renal function. This can be achieved by reducing the dose and/or increasing the dose interval.

In all patients with renal impairment, serum gentamicin peak and trough concentration and renal function must be monitored frequently (see below).

Nomograms are available for the calculation of dose, which depends on the patient's age, weight and renal function. Local guidance should be followed where available.

No clear recommendation can be made for once daily dosing; dosing should be guided by plasma concentration levels. In patients with moderate renal impairment, in whom once daily dosing would be considered appropriate if their renal function were normal, the dose interval should be at least 24 hours and extended according to the degree of renal impairment and the results of serum gentamicin monitoring. Limited data are available in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min) after once daily dose administration.

The following table may be useful for adults on multiple daily dose regimens:

Blood Urea

Creatinine clearance (GFR)

(ml/min)

Dose & frequency of administration

(mg/100 ml)

(mmol/L)

< 40

6 – 7

> 70

80 mg* 8 hourly

40 – 100

6 – 17

30 – 70

80 mg* 12 hourly

100 – 200

17 – 34

10 – 30

80 mg* daily

> 200

> 34

5 – 10

80 mg* every 48 hours

Twice weekly intermittent haemodialysis

< 5

80 mg* after dialysis

*60 mg if body weight < 60 kg.

Monitoring advice

Regular serum concentration monitoring of gentamicin is recommended for all patients, and especially in the elderly, newborns, obesity and in patients with impaired renal function, as well as patients with cystic fibrosis. Gentamicin should not be prescribed if serum concentrations cannot be monitored.

There are no universally accepted guidelines for therapeutic drug monitoring of gentamicin. Local monitoring and dose adjustment guidelines should be followed where available.

Pre-dose (“trough level”) monitoring is recommended to ensure that the interval between doses is correct. Trough levels are measured at the end of a dosing interval and should not exceed 1 mg/L for once daily dosing or 2 mg/L for multiple daily dosing. Levels in excess of these indicate the need to extend the interval between doses, not reduction of the dose.

Post-dose (“peak level”) monitoring is recommended to check the adequacy of a dose or to ensure that it is not excessive and likely to cause toxicity. Peak levels should be measured one hour after an intravenous bolus or intramuscular bolus dose, or 30 minutes after the end of an infusion. A plasma concentration < 4 mg/L indicates that the dose is likely to be inadequate and a dose increase should be considered; plasma concentrations > 10 mg/L indicate an increased risk for toxicity, particularly ototoxicity, and a dose reduction should be considered.

Any change in dose should be re-assessed with pre- and post-dose levels to confirm the adequacy of the new dose and the appropriateness of the dose interval.

Method of administration

The recommended dose and precautions for intramuscular and intravenous administration are identical. Gentamicin when given intravenously should be injected directly into a vein or into the drip set tubing over no less than three minutes. If administered by infusion, this should be over 20 – 30 minutes and in no greater volume of fluid than 100 ml. Longer infusion times of up to 60 minutes may be used, in particular for a once daily dosing regimen. Once daily dosing should only be administered through the intravenous route.

4.3. Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

• Myasthenia gravis.

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity

Ototoxicity has been reported following the use of aminoglycosides, including gentamicin. Symptoms include loss of balance and hearing loss, which may be irreversible (see section 4.8). Important risk factors include renal impairment, high doses, prolonged duration of treatment and age (neonates/infants and possibly the elderly). Due to the potential for ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity, monitoring of vestibule, cochlea and renal function is recommended before, during and shortly after treatment (see section 4.8). Serum levels are determined so as to avoid peak concentrations above 10 mg/L and troughs above 1 mg/L when administering gentamicin once daily and 2 mg/L when administering gentamicin twice daily.

As there is some evidence that risk of both ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity is related to the level of total exposure, duration of therapy should be the shortest possible compatible with clinical recovery. In some patients with impaired renal function there has been a transient rise in blood-urea-nitrogen which has usually reverted to normal during or following cessation of therapy. It is important to adjust the frequency of dosage according to the degree of renal function.

There is an increased risk of ototoxicity in patients with mitochondrial DNA mutations (particularly the nucleotide 1555 A to G substitution in the 12S rRNA gene), even if aminoglycoside serum levels are within the recommended range during treatment. Alternative treatment options should be considered in such patients.

In patients with a maternal history of relevant mutations or aminoglycoside induced deafness, alternative treatments or genetic testing prior to administration should be considered. Mitochondrial mutations are rare, and the penetrance of this observed effect is unknown.

In cases of significant obesity gentamicin serum concentrations should be closely monitored and a reduction in dose should be considered. To avoid adverse events, continuous monitoring (before, during and after treatment) of hepatic and laboratory parameters is also recommended.

Gentamicin should only be used in pregnancy if considered essential by the physician (see section 4.6).

Gentamicin should be used with care in conditions characterised by muscular weakness.

Superinfection

Treatment with gentamicin may produce an excessive growth of drug-resistant micro-organisms. If this happens, an appropriate treatment should be initiated.

Pseudomembranous colitis

Diarrhoea and pseudomembranous colitis have been observed when gentamicin is combined with other antibiotics. These diagnoses should be considered in every patient that develops diarrhoea during or immediately after treatment. Gentamicin should be discontinued if the patient suffers severe diarrhoea and/or bloody diarrhoea during treatment and an appropriate treatment should be initiated. Drugs that inhibit peristalsis should not be administered (see section 4.8).

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs)

Serious skin reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) have been reported in association with gentamicin treatment. Patients should be informed about the signs and symptoms of serious skin manifestations and monitored closely. Treatment should be discontinued at the first appearance of skin rash, mucosal lesions or any other sign of skin hypersensitivity.

Excipient(s) with known effect:

Sodium: This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per 2 ml vial or ampoule, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity

Concurrent administration of gentamicin and other potentially ototoxic or nephrotoxic drugs should be avoided. Potent diuretics such as etacrynic acid and furosemide are expected to enhance the risk of ototoxicity whilst amphotericin B, cisplatin and ciclosporin are potential enhancers of nephrotoxicity.

Any potential nephrotoxicity of cephalosporins, and in particular cephaloridine, may also be increased in the presence of gentamicin. Consequently, if this combination is used monitoring of kidney function is advised.

Neuromuscular blockade

Neuromuscular blockade and respiratory paralysis have been reported from administration of aminoglycosides to patients who have received curare-type muscle relaxants during anaesthesia. Concomitant use of gentamicin with drugs with neuromuscular blocking effects, such as botulinum toxin, may increase the risk of toxicity due to enhanced neuromuscular block.

Aminoglycosides such as gentamicin can also act as neuromuscular blockers and may therefore antagonise the effects of neostigmine or pyridostigmine.

The following combinations with gentamicin may require dose adjustment:

• Concomitant use of indomethacin possibly increases plasma concentrations of gentamicin in neonates.

• Concomitant use with oral anticoagulants may decrease thrombin levels and increase the risk of bleeding.

• Concomitant use of bisphosphonates with gentamicin may increase the risk of hypocalcaemia.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

There are limited data from the use of aminoglycosides, including gentamicin, in pregnancy.

Gentamicin crosses the placenta, and there is a risk of ototoxicity (vestibulocochlear nerve damage) and/or renal damage in the fetus, as seen in animal studies (see section 5.3). Gentamicin should not be used in pregnancy, except in case of life-threatening situations where expected benefits outweigh possible risks.

In such cases, maternal serum gentamicin concentration monitoring is recommended (see section 4.2). Monitoring of the hearing and renal function of the infants is also recommended.

Breast-feeding

Gentamicin is excreted in human breast milk and was detected in low concentrations in the serum of breast-fed infants, except in cases where the mucous membrane of the infant's stomach and intestines is severely eroded.

In cases of suspected severe mucosal erosion, if the infant is breast-fed during gentamicin treatment, it is recommended to monitor the serum concentration of gentamicin in the infant (see section 4.2). Animal and human data suggest that if the serum gentamicin concentration in the infant exceeds 1 µg/ml either breast-feeding or the gentamicin therapy may need to be discontinued, under medical supervision.

The following effects of gentamicin on the infant's normal gastrointestinal flora are possible and it is recommended to monitor the infant for possible effects such as diarrhoea, candidiasis and bloody stools.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Not known.

4.8. Undesirable effects

The following CIOMS frequency rating is used, when applicable: Very common (≥ 1/10); common (≥ 1/100 to ≤ 1/10); uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to ≤ 1/100); rare (≥ 1/10,000 to ≤ 1/1,000); very rare (≤ 1/10,000); not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Infections and infestations:

Not known: antibiotic-associated colitis (including pseudomembranous colitis), superinfection (caused by gentamicin-resistant bacteria)

Blood and lymphatic system disorders:

Not known: anaemia, blood dyscrasias

Immune system disorders:

Not known: hypersensitivity (see section 4.4), anaphylaxis/anaphylactic reaction (including anaphylactic shock)

Metabolism and nutrition disorders:

Not known: hypomagnesaemia on prolonged therapy

Psychiatric disorders:

Not known: depression, hallucinations, confusion

Nervous system disorders:

Not known: central neuropathy (including convulsions, lethargy, encephalopathy), peripheral neuropathy

Ear and labyrinth disorders:

Not known: vestibular damage, transitory hearing loss, irreversible hearing loss, deafness, particularly after exposure to ototoxic drugs or in the presence of renal dysfunction (see section 4.4).

Gastrointestinal disorders:

Very common: vomiting

Not known: stomatitis, nausea

Hepatobiliary disorders:

Not known: abnormal liver function, transaminases increased

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders:

Not known: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Toxic Epidermal Necrosis, rash, purpura, urticaria, pruritus

Renal and urinary disorders:

Very rare: acute renal failure, Fanconi-like syndrome in patients treated with a prolonged course of high-dose

Not known: nephrotoxicity (usually reversible) has been reported.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9. Overdose

Haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis will aid the removal from blood but the former is probably more efficient. Calcium salts given intravenously have been used to counter the neuromuscular blockade caused by gentamicin.

🇷🇴 Known in Romania as

Medicines sold in Romania with the same active substance: Cunoscut în România ca

  • GENTAMICINA NORIDEM 20 mg/ml prescriptionGENTAMICINUM · injection / infusion
  • GENTAMICINA NORIDEM 40 mg/ml prescriptionGENTAMICINUM · injection / infusion
  • GENTAMICINA NORIDEM 80 mg/ml prescriptionGENTAMICINUM · injection / infusion
  • GENTAMICIN KRKA 40 mg/1 ml prescriptionGENTAMICINUM · injection / infusion
  • GENTAMICIN KRKA 80 mg/2 ml prescriptionGENTAMICINUM · injection / infusion
  • GENTAMICINA EIPICO 40 mg/ml prescriptionGENTAMICINUM · injection / infusion

Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Romanian medicines in the UK →

🇵🇱 Known in Poland as

Medicines sold in Poland with the same active substance: W Polsce znany jako

  • Gentamycin KRKAGentamicinum · injection / infusion
  • Gentamicin B.BraunGentamicinum · injection / infusion
  • Gentamicin NoridemGentamicinum · injection / infusion
  • Gentamicin BialmedGentamicinum · injection / infusion

Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Polish medicines in the UK →

💬 Ask about this leaflet

Ask anything about Cidomycin 80mg/2ml Solution for Injection. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.

Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.

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