Gentamicin Poisoning

It is the job of medical practitioners to prescribe medications that will either cure or alleviate our illnesses. Most medications help alleviate what they are meant to. However, they can also be very dangerous when taken inappropriately or without all information of the drug necessary for safe use. One such drug called Gentamicin, is of great concern. Gentamicin is a powerful antibiotic delivered given both orally as well as intravenously to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and home healthcare settings to combat severe infections. Gentamicin is an effective treatment, but only when properly administered and monitored by a medical professional. Gentamicin may be harmless when used sparingly. Conversely Gentamicin could leave devastating and life altering effects.

It is our duty as a society that frequently turns to medication, to inform ourselves before the use of medication. Even further is the duty and obligation of medical practitioners to make our health their main priority. When dealing with Gentamicin, doctors must make certain when they prescribe it to an individual that the individual is not taking other certain prescriptions or over the counter medications, whose combined effects could be harmful. This can even include some vitamins, diuretics, the drugs cisplatin, amphotericin, and other antibiotics. Improper administration or excessive dosing of Gentamicin, on the part of a healthcare professional, can also greatly increase the risk of serious Gentamicin side effects. Even with many other antibiotic options some doctors prescribe Gentamicin frequently and for long term use.

Extended use or excessive dosages can result in what is referred to as Gentamicin Poisoning. Gentamicin Poisoning can cause significant damage to a patient's vestibular system, which is part of the inner ear responsible for maintaining balance, sense of body position, visual focus, coordination, and orientation. Gentamicin can seriously damage the tiny hairs of the inner ears (responsible for sense of gravity, sense of motion, and providing information to the brain), causing serious hearing problems and visuo-spacial problems. Gentamicin is also toxic to some kidney cells, typically when Gentamicin is given for too long or at too high a dose. Perhaps one of the most devastating aspects of Gentamicin Poisoning is the fact that many physicians may not attend to the signs of Gentamicin Poisoning in the elderly. This is because they mistake the cause of symptoms to be age. Symptoms of Gentamicin Poisoning may include:

• Loss of balance (Vertigo)
• Vision problems (Oscillopsia)
• Memory Loss
• Concentration Problems
• Ringing sound in your ears (Tinnitus)

Gentamicin has the potential to change lives for better or worse, as such use of it should be taken with caution. Doctors need to approach Gentamicin as a potentially dangerous drug. It is their responsibility as a physician to make certain that they prescribe this drug only when absolutely necessary, and for as short amount of time as possible. If a doctor neglects to prevent or diagnose Gentamicin poisoning they need to be held accountable so that the victims may obtain the restitution they need.

If you or a loved one is taking Gentamicin and has experienced any of these symptoms, consult a physician immediately. You may be eligible to file a suit against a negligent medical professional, hospital, or even the drug's maker. It is important to bear in mind that Gentamicin lawsuits are subject to a statute of limitation, which restricts the time you have to pursue a claim. For this reason, it is important to seek the early advice of a qualified attorney who can help protect your legal interests.