Patient was educated on contraindications for using Gentamicin as follows:
- Gentamicin should be avoided or used with extreme caution in individuals with history of peripheral neuropathy. The antibiotic is known to exacerbate the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, such as, altered sensations, pain and numbness, tingling, and burning sensations in the extremities.
- Gentamicin is not metabolized in the body and is excreted unchanged in the urine. Individuals with compromised renal function tend to retain the drug in the circulation longer, thus resulting in toxicity. Gentamicin should be avoided or used with extreme caution in such individuals. Gentamicin should always be taken with adequate amount of water.
- Gentamicin should be avoided or used with extreme caution in individuals placed on fluid limitations, such as, patients with congestive heart failure, as Gentamicin should be taken with liberal amounts of water intake.
- Individuals with history of seizures and hallucinations can present with exacerbation of these symptoms with Gentamicin. Gentamicin should be avoided or used with extreme caution in individuals with seizure history.
- Gentamicin intake can increase the risk for skin rash, ranging from mild to severe exfoliating rash and blisters. Individuals with history of extreme skin rashes and taking Gentamicin should be aware of this response and observe a close watch on the same.
