Gentamicin Toxicity Symptoms: What to Watch for After Treatment

April 23, 2025
By Jon C. Boesen
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Gentamicin is a powerful antibiotic often used in hospitals to treat serious bacterial infections. While effective, it can also be dangerous. Gentamicin toxicity occurs when the drug builds up in the body, potentially causing long-term—and sometimes irreversible—damage. If you’ve recently been treated with Gentamicin, recognizing the early signs of toxicity could make a critical difference in your health and your legal options.

At Boesen Law, we help individuals across Colorado pursue justice when negligent care or defective medications cause harm. Below, we outline the most common symptoms of Gentamicin toxicity and what to do if you suspect you’ve been affected.

Why Is Gentamicin So Risky?

Gentamicin belongs to a class of antibiotics called aminoglycosides. It’s often administered intravenously in hospital settings for life-threatening infections. However, Gentamicin has a narrow therapeutic window, meaning the difference between a safe dose and a toxic dose is small.

Toxicity is more likely to occur when:

  • The drug is given at high doses or for long durations

  • The patient has existing kidney problems

  • Dosing is not carefully monitored by medical staff

Common Symptoms of Gentamicin Toxicity

Gentamicin can affect several key systems in the body. If you’ve received Gentamicin and are now experiencing any of the following symptoms, seek medical evaluation immediately.

1. Hearing Loss or Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus)

Ototoxicity is one of the most well-documented side effects of Gentamicin. You may notice:

  • Trouble hearing conversations

  • Persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds

  • Difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments

These symptoms can appear gradually and may become permanent without early intervention.

2. Balance and Coordination Problems

Gentamicin may damage the vestibular system—the part of the inner ear that helps control balance. Symptoms include:

  • Dizziness or vertigo

  • Unsteady walking or frequent falls

  • A sensation of spinning or floating

This condition can severely impact your ability to work, drive, or live independently.

3. Kidney Problems

Gentamicin is also nephrotoxic, meaning it can cause kidney damage. Be aware of:

  • Decreased urination

  • Swelling in the legs or ankles

  • Fatigue or confusion

  • High blood pressure

If not caught early, kidney injury may lead to permanent impairment or the need for dialysis.

4. Neurological Symptoms

In rare cases, Gentamicin can affect the nervous system, leading to:

  • Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

  • Muscle twitching or weakness

  • Trouble concentrating or memory issues

What Causes Gentamicin Toxicity?

In many cases, Gentamicin toxicity is preventable. It may result from:

  • Inadequate monitoring of blood drug levels

  • Failure to adjust dosage for kidney function

  • Administering Gentamicin longer than medically necessary

  • Manufacturer defects or improper labeling

If medical professionals failed to monitor your dosage properly, or if the drug itself was defective, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice or defective drug claim.

Legal Help for Gentamicin Injury Victims in Colorado

If you believe you’re experiencing Gentamicin toxicity, your health is the top priority. After seeking medical care, it’s important to understand your legal rights.

You may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical expenses (past and future)

  • Hearing aids, physical therapy, or mobility aids

  • Pain and suffering

  • Loss of income or earning potential

  • Permanent disability

At Boesen Law, our team of Gentamicin lawyers in Denver has decades of experience in holding hospitals, physicians, and pharmaceutical companies accountable. We proudly serve clients throughout Denver and across Colorado.

We invite you to speak with a Denver personal injury lawyer on our team today. If negligence or a defective drug caused your condition, you deserve answers—and compensation.

Contact Boesen Law for a Free Consultation

Don’t wait. If you’re showing signs of Gentamicin toxicity, get legal help from an experienced team that knows how to win these complex cases.

We’re ready to listen to your story—and fight for the justice you deserve.