Inhaled Gentamicin experiences?

[Leafsweeper]

Hi, I couldn't tolerate inhaled Colomycin which I used for about 3 months five years ago. It was a scary, time dark days and nights with extreme breathlessness etc.

Under the care of a different hospital and consultant now, he wants to me try inhaled Gentamicin - I know it's less commonly used in nebulised form, but worried in case I react badly. I was told to persist with Colomycin despite horrid side effects for the long term health benefits' but I'm frankly terrified in case this causes similar problems. This consultant says I should stop immediately if I have similar side effects.. ..

[sassy59]

You can only try Leafsweeper but do stop if you get nasty side effects and tell your consultant immediately. Good luck to you. Xx

[LMEI]

I had been on Colomycin for 10 years or so and they wanted to try Gentamicin. I was only on it for about 2 weeks and I found myself going downhill which resulted in a Hospital admission. I was told it was probably coincidence that I was brewing up for an infection but I wasn't convinced.Was switched back to Colomycin. I don't seem to have any side effects with this.

I hope you get sorted.

Take care. Linda

[Leafsweeper in reply to LMEI]

Thanks for this Linda, I'm glad you're okay now. Take care x

[Swizzy]

I nebulised gentamycin 25 years ago and my lungs reacted very badly after about 2 weeks. I persevered but ended up completely breathless and it took weeks to come back to normal after I stopped it.I can't tolerate colomycin also. I nebulised ceftazidime successfully for 15 years but my lungs decided they didn't want that eventually. We are all different but you will recognise now if a drug is sending your lungs into spasm.

[Leafsweeper in reply to Swizzy]

Thanks for this Swizzy, I had ceftazidime IV for a couple of weeks last year but I think consultant wants to try something different - who knows it might work!

[Swizzy in reply to Leafsweeper]

nebulising ceftazidime long term is very different to having a 2 week IV treatment. We are all different and it is a matter of finding out what suits us.

[Izb1]

It's scary trying new medications especially if you have had a bad reaction previously, you really won't know until you try it , but at least you will know the warning signs and can stop straight away. Good luck with this and hope all will be OK for you x

[Leafsweeper in reply to Izb1]

Yes, thanks for this. The advice 5 years ago to 'keep calm and carry on' (?😨!!) is completely at variance with the sympathetic advice/permission to stop if it gets too scary. xx

[Mooka]

Did you have nebulised sabutamol to take at the same time. That should sort out any chest tightness.

[Leafsweeper in reply to Mooka]

I did after bronchospasm episodes began... didn't help much. If I 'pass' the drug challenge thing will give it a go though. thanks

[Leafsweeper in reply to Mooka]

Thanks for this. I started nebulising salbutamol when , but sadly it didn't help much.

[janedivney]

You can only “suck it and see”. Usually with nebulised antibiotics the first dose is done in an outpatient clinic in hospital, and you’re monitored to check for bronchospasm. I nebulised it for a few months & successfully got rid of a very nasty bacteria. Use your salbutamol beforehand.

[Leafsweeper in reply to janedivney]

Thanks for this - with colomycin I 'passed' the drug challenge thing - it was only after acouple of weeks of regular used that bronchospasm started...

[Leafsweeper in reply to janedivney]

It's good to hear it it worked for you! I'm feeling this is a bit of a last resort.. repeated IVs haven't managed to eradicate my bug for any length of time..

[Metal-legs]

Nebulised gentamicin has been a good drug for me. I've had it for 4 years with no side effects. Hope it works for you too 🤞

[Leafsweeper in reply to Metal-legs]

Thanks for this - glad you've been okay with it. Best wishes