Warning

Gentamicin is contraindicated in myasthenia gravis.

It can cause clinically significant muscle weakness in myasthenia patients resulting in respiratory depression. Amikacin, tobramycin, neomycin and streptomycin are also contraindicated.

  • Please see DGRI handbook page before prescribing any antibiotics in patients with myasthenia gravis.
  • A full list of antibiotics to avoid / use with caution in myasthenia patients is available from NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 01/03/2024

Next review date: 01/03/2026

Author(s): Dr Jon van Aartsen (Consultant Microbiologist).

Version: v1.0

Reviewer name(s): AMS Team.