Once-daily dosing of gentamicin in obstetrics and gynecology

Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2008 Sep;51(3):498-506. doi: 10.1097/GRF.0b013e31818091cd.

Abstract

Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside with broad antimicrobial activity, is commonly used in both obstetrics and gynecology. Traditional dosing regimens for gentamicin have called for 3 times daily dosing, but recent insights into the pharmacodynamics of the drug have led to multiple studies of once-daily dosing regimens. Many studies have demonstrated efficacy, safety, and economy of the 24-hour dosing interval, resulting in recommendations that this become the standard for aminoglycoside administration. However, because of the unique considerations for drug administration in pregnant and postpartum women, the once-daily dosing regimens have not been widely adopted. Additional studies in pregnant and postpartum women have demonstrated therapeutic noninferiority, no increase in adverse events, and significant cost savings with once-daily dosing versus 3 times daily dosing of gentamicin. We review the literature and present rationale based on multiple controlled studies supporting single-daily dosing of gentamicin, 5 mg/kg/d actual body weight, for many common obstetrics-gynecology infections.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Chorioamnionitis / drug therapy
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Endometritis / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Gentamicins / administration & dosage
  • Gentamicins / adverse effects
  • Gentamicins / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Postpartum Period
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / drug therapy*
  • Puerperal Disorders / drug therapy
  • Safety
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Gentamicins