Skip to content
ClinCalc Pro
Menu
Calculators Drugs Pathways AI Dx Donate Get the App
Aminoglycoside Antibiotic (Topical)

Gentamicin (Burns — Topical)

Brand names: Cidomycin, Gentamicin Cream

Topical gentamicin is an aminoglycoside applied to the burn surface to reduce bacterial colonisation, principally targeting Gram-negative organisms including Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Dosing — not shown for this use

The product information we hold does not support a dose for this page's specific use, route or population, so none is shown. Follow your local or national guideline, and confirm against the product SmPC.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It binds the bacterial 30S ribosomal subunit, causing misreading of mRNA and inhibition of protein synthesis, giving concentration-dependent bactericidal activity.

Prescribing in practice

  • Significant systemic absorption can occur through extensive denuded burn surfaces, risking nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity, so monitor when applying to large areas.
  • Widespread topical use selects for aminoglycoside-resistant Gram-negative flora, so reserve for defined indications guided by surveillance and culture.
  • Effects are additive with systemic aminoglycosides and other nephro- or ototoxic agents, which must be accounted for in burns patients.

Monitoring

Monitor renal function and, with extensive or prolonged application, consider auditory and vestibular surveillance because of absorption through damaged skin.

Counselling the patient

  • This is applied to the burn surface by the burns team as part of wound care.
  • Report any new hearing changes, ringing in the ears or unsteadiness.

Evidence & guidelines

Aminoglycoside class toxicity (nephro- and ototoxicity) is well established and underlies caution with topical use over large or denuded skin surfaces.

Reference: Burns unit guidelines; Hartford nomogram; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators
Drugs