Electrolyte Imbalance Associated with Aminoglycosides - An Experimental study

Aim: To evaluate the electrolyte imbalance associated with the use of two important Aminoglycosides (Amikacin and Gentamicin) in experimental rabbit model. Gentamicin and Amikacin 5mg/kg/day and 15mg/kg/day respectively were continued for seven days in two different groups i.e., Group G (Gentamicin treated group) and Group A (Amikacin treated group) along with Control Group (Group C) being on simple isotonic saline for the same period. Blood samples from ear veins were collected at 0 (before therapy), 3 rd and 7 th day and analyzed for BUN, Serum Creatinine, Sodium, Potassium and Calcium. Biostatistical analysis at the end of the study showed that there was a significant decrease in serum sodium, potassium and calcium levels in both Gentamicin and Amikacin groups when compared with control group. There was no significant change in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine before and after the treatment for 07 days. So it is concluded that serum electrolytes should be monitored while treating the patients with Aminoglycosides and other antibiotics and corrective measures should be adopted accordingly. Patients who are prone to electrolyte imbalance should be observed carefully by the healthcare providers to manage the patients more efficiently.