TREATMENT DOSE Gentamicin Policy

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Antimicrobial prescribing: NHS Forth Valley
Acute Hospital Guidance
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Dosing Guidance for Vancomycin, Gentamicin (treatment and synergistic dosing) and Amikacin
TREATMENT DOSE Gentamicin Policy

Update your RDS mobile app to v4.7.1 to download toolkits even when website is down,

We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. When you install the update, you will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.

You may need to actively install the update to install RDS app version 4.7.1 to see this improvement. Installing this update is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new contingency arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits.

To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number. To install latest updates:

On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.

On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.

Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.

Use SAPG Gentamicin dosage calculator when prescribing Gentamicin for treatment dose. Always take a gentamicin level after the first dose as per calculator instructions.

DO NOT use the gentamicin calculator when prescribing for prophylaxis only or synergistic use - See either surgical prophylaxis guidelines or synergistic dosing guideline

If calculator unavailable then SAPG policy below gives dosing and monitoring guidance:

NHS GGC Gentamicin Policy

Gentamicin monotherapy should only be used for targeted therapy for confirmed Gram negative infection of urinary source or on infection specialist advice, but its duration should continue to be limited and IV to oral switch optimised to reduce risk of toxicity.

Always seek advice from infection specialist if gentamicin is required beyond 3-4 days