Aminoglycosides are a class of antibiotics used mainly in the treatment of aerobic gram-negative bacilli infections, although they are also effective against other bacteria including Staphylococci and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. They are often used in combination with other antibiotics.
Aminoglycosides are thought to work by inhibiting protein synthesis inside bacteria. Kill rates of bacteria are increased when higher concentrations of aminoglycosides are present; however, the margin between a safe and a toxic dose is narrow and monitoring is often needed, although once daily dosing increases the safety window. Impairment of kidney function and hearing loss are the most common side effects of aminoglycosides. Aminoglycosides tend to be used when other less toxic antibiotics are contraindicated or ineffective.
Aminoglycosides are not well absorbed when given by mouth, so need to be given by injection by healthcare personnel.
