Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, has up until recent years been in widespread use for the treatment of bacterial infections, usually those caused by Gram-negative organisms. However, the drug is ototoxic and nephrotoxic, meaning that gentamicin poisoning is a real danger in clinical use.

Gentamicin toxicity results in a number of symptoms, including difficulty in balancing, impaired (bouncing) vision, tinnitus and even depression, loss of ability to concentrate, loss or impairment of hearing and hallucinations.

While it is perfectly safe to use gentamicin in treatment for short periods of time prolonged use carries the danger of gentamicin poisoning, as does accidental overdose.

That\’s why, in recent years, alternatives to gentamicin have been produced and used in an ever increasing number of cases. Because of the risk of gentamicin toxicity and the associated side effects, these alternative antibiotics are a safer option in long term treatment.

However, some clinicians still freely prescribe the drug without warning patients of the potential side effects and dangers of gentamicin poisoning or giving them alternatives to consider and explaining the benefits and drawbacks of each. In some cases this has led to patient suffering and the doctor in question has been left open to a medical negligence claim.

Let me be clear, gentamicin, like any other drug, has potential side effects if poorly administered or used over a long period of time. But it is the administration of the drug that causes the problem, not the drug itself. If a doctor, clinician or other medical profession has been negligent in their treatment of a patient, then it is their fault, not that of the drug.

In cases where patients have suffered gentamicin poisoning through any of the above described symptoms they could be entitled to medical negligence compensation. There are, however, a number of criteria to be met before a case can be brought to court.

Firstly, it has to be proven that any symptoms or suffering was actually caused by the drug. If there is any doubt in this, then it could derail a compensation claim.

Secondly, if gentamicin was the only drug available as a recommended treatment then this could also cause problems in the case. If, however, other less dangerous antibiotics were available and suitable and gentamicin was used regardless, then this can be classed as medical negligence.

Thirdly, it has to be determined if the drug was given for too long a period or in too great a dose by the doctor or consultant in question. If this is the case, then a compensation claim is likely to be viable.

Contacting medical negligence specialists is the best way to find out if a patient has a case, as they will be able to assess the evidence, advise accordingly and then proceed with the compensation claim.

There are many clinical negligence solicitors out there, some of which will specialise in this type of compensation claim. Ask friends, relatives and acquaintances for recommendations and check reputations, services and the like online.

Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Pearson Hinchliffe, clinical negligence solicitors and experts in gentamicin poisoning compensation claims.

Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Pearson Hinchliffe (http://www.ph-medicalnegligence.co.uk), clinical negligence solicitors and experts in medical compensation.

Author Bio: Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Pearson Hinchliffe, clinical negligence solicitors and experts in gentamicin poisoning compensation claims.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: gentamicin poisoning, gentamicin toxicity,gentamicin poisoning compensation