Gentamicin, plasma or serum

Gentamicin and other aminoglycosides are potentially nephrotoxic. The risk of nephrotoxicity is greater in patients with impaired renal function and in those who receive high dosage or prolonged therapy. Neurotoxicity can occur in patients treated with gentamicin with or without preexisting renal damage. Aminoglycoside-induced neurotoxicity is usually irreversible. Gentamicin use is mainly restricted to the therapy of life-threatening infections and those for which a less toxic antimicrobial agent is ineffective. It is frequently used for the treatment of serious infections; particularly those due to Pseudomona aeruginosa, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Serratia, Citrobacter, Staphylococcus, and other species. Measurement of gentamicin is used to monitor the serum concentration to assure adequate levels and to avoid potential toxic levels.