Gentamicin (Garamycin)
Gentamicin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat infections caused by a variety of bacteria, including Pseudomonas, Proteus, E. coli, Klebsiella, and staph.
Magnesium
Gentamicin has been reported to increase urinary magnesium loss.1
Whether this causes sufficient magnesium depletion to require supplementation remains
unknown, although supplementing 300 mg per day makes protective sense to some doctors.
Calcium
Preliminary evidence suggests that calcium may protect against kidney damage induced by
gentamicin.2 It is reasonable for people taking this drug
who are supplementing magnesium to also supplement calcium. Typical calcium
supplementation levels range from 800–1,000 mg per day for adults.
References:
1. McLean R. Magnesium and its therapeutic uses: A review. Am J Med
1994;96:63–76.
2. Humes HD et al. Calcium is a competitive inhibitor of gentamicin-renal membrane binding
interactions and dietary calcium supplementation protects against gentamicin
nephrotoxicity. J Clin Invest 1984;73:134.
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Those wanting to insure they have complete information about possible interactions between a prescription or over-the-counter medication and specific nutrients, herbs, or other medications should talk with the prescribing physician, a pharmacist, or both.
Copyright © 1998 Virtual Health, LLC
It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your physician, nutritionally-oriented health care practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.The information presented in HealthNotes Online is for informational purposes only.