Gentamicin Toxicity

The clinical negligence team at Taylor Emmet has recently been instructed to investigate a case against a hospital Trust relating to its failure to administer Gentamicin safely, which led to injury to a patient as a result of Gentamicin Toxicity.

Gentamicin is a particularly strong type of antibiotic which destroys bacteria and can be used to treat or prevent infections.

Because of the dangers of Gentamicin, medical professionals must proceed with caution when administering it to a patient. Gentamicin should only be used if there is a clinical need to do so and must not be given to any patient who is known to have underlying health conditions that contraindicate the use of Gentamicin, such as patients with kidney problems.

Informed consent to treatment with Gentamicin should always be obtained, including advice on the risks and benefits of Gentamicin and alternative treatments.

Unfortunately, Gentamicin poisoning can occur if Gentamicin is administered to patients with health problems, administered in too large a dose or for too long when taking into account the patient’s weight and age, or if the Gentamicin levels in the blood are not monitored and adapted during treatment. If this happens because medical professionals did not provide an acceptable standard of care, there may be grounds for a clinical negligence case.

Failing to undertake ongoing risk assessments

If medical practitioners do not take reasonable steps to prevent Gentamicin Toxicity, this could give rise to a clinical negligence case. Most commonly, a case can involve failing to undertake ongoing risk assessments as to the continuing need for Gentamicin, failing to administer Gentamicin safely by relying on serum levels alone as a mark of toxicity, not calculating a suitable dosage, failing to measure the Gentamicin blood levels appropriately and not adjusting the dose if required, failing to inform the patient as to the side effects of Gentamicin and failing to recognise and treat Gentamicin Toxicity in the early stages.

The consequences of Gentamicin Toxicity (or Gentamicin poisoning) for a patient can be serious and devastating.

Sadly, it can often lead to permanent, life-changing injuries. It can cause damage to the ear (specifically the auditory nerve, cochlea or vestibular system) which is known as ototoxicity and can cause hearing loss, vertigo, tinnitus, balance problems, problems with memory, concentration and fatigue and bouncing vision. It can also cause damage to the kidney including renal failure.

If you or your loved one has suffered complications because of Gentamicin Toxicity, you should seek legal advice about the options available to you.