Gentamicin plasma levels: effects of gender, age and kidney disease

ABSTRACT

Gentamicin is a rapidly acting aminoglycoside antibiotic and is prescribed for systemic infections involving gram negative bacteria. Therapeutic serum concentration monitoring and subsequent tailoring of dosage regimens is required for improved treatment response. The effects of age, gender and kidney disease on plasma gentamicin levels have been evaluated. The clinical laboratory data have revealed unacceptably wide variations in plasma levels. Drug levels in elderly patients were significantly higher than in young patients. Also, plasma levels were higher in patients with kidney disease compared to those with normal function. Higher concentrations of gentamicin were observed in females, however the difference was not found to be statistically significant