Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Gentamicin as follows:
- Observe compliance with any periodical evaluation of real function ordered. As Gentamicin is eliminated unchanged in the urine, renal function could be periodically monitored, to prevent any risk for toxicity. Any symptoms of renal injury and altered kidney function, such as, altered levels of consciousness and reduced urine formation, should be closely watched for and reported to the physician. 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 is such individuals.
- Maintain strict compliance with intake of Gentamicin as ordered, with regards to dosage and frequency, to derive the benefit of the medication. The dose and length of treatment depends upon the medical condition, severity of infection, and response to treatment.
- Noncompliance with Gentamicin intake for the complete schedule can result in ineffective infection control with chance of relapse of infection with increased vigor. This can also contribute towards emergence of drug resistant strains of bacteria, making infection control more difficult.
- Watch out for any continuing or worsening signs and symptoms of infection, to report to your doctor immediately, so that, a change in plan could be considered.
