Aminoglycosides: Pharmacology, Clinical Uses & Health Effects

Aminoglycosides are a commonly used class of antibiotic worldwide, with examples including gentamicin, tobramycin and amikacin. Their low cost, together with their effectiveness against Gram-negative organisms, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, makes them a valuable tool in treating infections. In addition, aminoglycosides have demonstrated lower rates of resistance in both community and healthcare settings when compared with many other antimicrobials and exhibit synergistic activity with beta-lactams against certain Gram-positive organisms, such as streptococcus and enterococcus. Unfortunately, aminoglycosides exhibit a narrow therapeutic index, which can result in toxicity if care is not taken with their use. This book reviews the pharmacology, clinical uses and health effects of aminoglycosides.