The Skin Clinic: Topical Gentamicin

Abstract

Gentamicin, the first clinically useful antibiotic to be derived from Micromonospora purpurea, has recently become available in the United Kingdom. It was first reported by Weinstein et al. (1963)1 that gentamicin possessed a very extensive antibacterial spectrum which included Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Pseudomonas and Proteus species. Initial studies performed in U.S.A. showed that it was valuable in the treatment of Pseudomonas infection.sv'ChemicaIly it possesses a 2-deoxystreptamine nucleus with glucosamine and gentosamine fractions as sidechains. I t is thus related to the Neomycin group and Streptomycin but does not exhibit cross-resistance to these antibiotics. 15 12 13 14 Recently it has been established that gentamicin consists of three isomeric pseudo-oligosaccharides designated C 1 C n C 2 , each of equal potency.Topical studies have shown that it is well tolerated by animal and human skin. 15 -19 Stone et al. (1964)7 whilst treating 30 -80% burns determined that systemic absorption following topical appli-Cation was negligible. In the treatment of leg ulcers, Bendy (1964)17 and Nierman (1964)21 reCorded good results. White (1964)22 published Promising results using gentamicin ointment in the eradication of staphylococci from nasal carriers. Several publicationstt 12 15-21 have referred to the topical usc of gentamicin in the treat-~ent of pyoderma etc. Others have reported its In vitro activity. 125 13 1423 -Hay feverwillstrikesoon. Control itnow-withAlavac-Ĩ'l'gd Alavac-P is available for immediate supply from stock. Full details may he obtained on request.