Things to know about each of the major antibiotic drug classes

- Aminoglycosides (Gentamicin, Neomycin, Tobramycin) ‘icin

Precautions / Contraindications

• Pregnancy: fetal ototoxicity
• With other ototoxic drugs: furosemide, minocycline
• With nephrotoxic drugs: vancomycin, cisplatin
• Elderly patients
• Those with kidney disease
• Cautious use of muscle relaxants
• Do not mix with any other drug in same syringe

High Risk Patients

• Are allergic to sulfites (often found in certain wines and dried fruits)
• Have kidney or hearing problems, including problems with balance and uncontrollable eye movements
• Have a disorder affecting the nerves and muscles, like multiple sclerosis or myasthenia gravis.
• Are 65 years of age or older
• You have a newborn or very young baby who might be treated for a serious infection using aminoglycosides

• Carbapenems (Doripenem, Ertapenem, Imipenem) ‘nem

Precautions / Contraindications/High Risk Patients

• Contraindicated in patients with prior allergic reactions to beta lactam antibiotics.
• Contraindicated in patients with prior adverse reactions to lidocaine.
• Contraindicated in patients who are taking valproic acid for seizures, as it has been shown to decrease valproic acid concentrations by as much as 90%
• Carbapenems are powerful antibiotics that kill bacteria causing a range of diseases including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, serious skin infections, meningitis, and septicaemia (blood poisoning)
• Only Given for serious infections
• Patients who are taking valproate to control seizures should not be placed on Imipenem
• Dosage should be reduced in patients with renal impairment

• Cephalosporins (Cefadroxil, Cefazolin, Cephalexin) ‘in

Precautions / Contraindications/High Risk Patients

• Contraindicated for patients Hx of allergic reactions to cephalosporins or severe reactions to penicillin
• Dosage should be reduced in patients with renal impairment……….. Continue