Consumers and health professionals are advised that Gentamicin Injection USP 10 mg/mL (20 mg/2 mL) (Teligent OU) may cause airway constriction (bronchoconstriction) if used as an inhalation to treat certain infections in the lungs, due to the presence of the antioxidant sodium metabisulfite.
Gentamicin Injection USP 10 mg/mL (20 mg/2 mL) (Teligent OU) is an unregistered product (sourced from overseas) that has been approved for use as an alternative product during the current shortage of DBL Gentamicin 10 mg/1 mL (as sulfate) Injection. This product is not expected to be available again until 31 July 2020.
In the meantime, the TGA has granted approval under Section 19A of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 to Link Medical Products Pty Ltd to supply the alternative product, Gentamicin Injection USP 10 mg/mL (20 mg/2 mL) (Teligent OU), for the following indications:
For the treatment of infections due to one or more susceptible strains of bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus species (indole positive and indole negative), Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Enterobacter and Serratia species and Staphylococcus (including strains resistant to other antibiotics).
Gentamicin may also be used for the treatment of the following conditions when caused by susceptible organisms: bacteraemia, respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, skin and skin structure infections, bone infections, peritonitis, and burns complicated by sepsis. Aminoglycosides, including gentamicin are generally not indicated in uncomplicated initial episodes of urinary tract infection unless the causative organisms are not susceptible to less toxic antibiotics.
In suspected or documented Gram-negative sepsis, gentamicin should be considered for initial antimicrobial therapy. Therapy may be instituted before obtaining results of susceptibility tests. The decision to continue therapy is based on results of the susceptibility tests, the severity of the infection and risk of toxicity. If anaerobic organisms are suspected, antimicrobial therapy in addition to the gentamicin regimen should be considered.
While Gentamicin Injection USP 10 mg/mL (20 mg/2 mL) (Teligent OU) is a suitable alternative in most situations, clinicians using this product for off-label use via inhalation may need to take the presence of sodium metabisulfite into account and the possible effect it may have on a patient's airways.
Although DBL Gentamicin 10 mg/1 mL (as sulfate) Injection has not been approved for use via inhalation and its Product Information references only intramuscular or intravenous use, the TGA is aware that there is some off-label use via inhalation.
Information for consumers
If you have any questions or concerns about this issue, talk to your health professional.
Information for health professionals
During the shortage, health professionals who would have used DBL Gentamicin 10 mg/1 mL (as sulfate) Injection via inhalation for a patient may need to consider other products for the patient's treatment.
If a sulfite-free gentamicin product is required, health professionals may wish to request supply via the Special Access Scheme (SAS).
Link Medical Products Pty Ltd can be contacted on 1800 181 060. Information about this Section 19A approval has been published in the TGA's online Section 19A database.
Reporting problems
Consumers and health professionals are encouraged to report problems with medicines or vaccines. Your report will contribute to the TGA's monitoring of these products.
The TGA cannot give advice about an individual's medical condition. You are strongly encouraged to talk with a health professional if you are concerned about a possible adverse event associated with a medicine or vaccine.