Gentamycin is not given orally because: September 2005

Ans. D: Poor absorption Like all aminoglycosides, when gentamicin is given orally, it is not systemically active. This is because it is not absorbed to any appreciable extent from the small intestine. It is administered intravenously, intramuscularly or topically to treat infections. Common propeies of aminoglycoside antibiotics Distribute extracellularly, do not penetrate brain/ CSF Act by interfering with bacterial protein synthesis. Completely eliminated unchanged in the urine by glomerular filtration. Narrow margin of safety. Bactericidal and more active at alkaline pH. Ototoxicity and nephrotoxic