Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Gentamicin as follows:
- Gentamicin should always be taken with adequate amount of water. Individuals low on fluid volume and in dehydration can retain the drug in the circulation longer, thus resulting in toxicity.
- Patients taking Gentamicin should closely watch for any exacerbation of symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, such as, altered sensations, pain and numbness, tingling, and burning sensations in the extremities. This should be immediately reported to the physician for a possible change in the plan of care to be considered.
- Watch closely for development of any opportunistic infections, such as, oral candidiasis with white patches in the mouth, to be reported to the physician.
- Do not change the dose on Gentamicin without consulting your doctor.
- Complete the course of the antibiotic that it was prescribed for. Do not give up on the antibiotic, against your doctor’s recommendation, even if the symptoms of infection are controlled.
