Adverse reactions to gentamycin in patients with ear, nose or throat infections.

Eighty four patients requiring treatment with Gentamycin were selected from Otorhinolaryngology outpatient and those admitted to the hospital. Patients suffering from hepatic or renal disorders, pregnant women and children were excluded from the study. Seventy three were administered gentamycin 40 mg BD intramuscularly for 7-10 days and in 11 the drug was applied topically as ear drops for 6-12 weeks. Adverse reactions were observed in 9 (13.3%) and 11 (100%) patients given the drug parenterally and topically respectively. In parenteral group incidence was higher in females as compared to males and profile included nausea and vomiting, headache, cough, tinnitis, albuminuria, diminition of hearing and vertigo. Whereas diminition of hearing acuity was observed in all those who had topical application as evidenced by pure tone audiometry.