Aminoglycoside usage in a university teaching hospital

A retrospective chart review examined the use of aminoglycosides in a university teaching hospital over a six month period. The study found 273 patients received 323 courses of aminoglycoside therapy. Significant issues addressed include the frequent use of aminoglycosides as surgical prophylactic agents, the prescribing of drugs to patients at increased risk of toxicity and the infrequency of appropriate monitoring. Nephrotoxicity was noted in 7% of patients.