Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Once-daily aminoglycosides in the treatment of gram-positive endocarditis
V H Tam1, S L Preston, L L Briceland
1Albany College of Pharmacy, NY 12208, USA.
Objective:
To examine the role of once-daily aminoglycosides (ODA) in the treatment of gram-positive endocarditis.
Data Sources:
A MEDLINE search was conducted from January 1984 to August 1998, and a Current Contents search was performed from September 1998 to December 1998, using endocarditis or aminoglycoside as key words. In addition, relevant articles were cross-referenced to screen for additional information.
Data Extraction:
Data published in English regarding the use of aminoglycosides in endocarditis are cited. Emphasis was placed on animal and human studies, but in vitro studies and review articles are also included.
Data Synthesis:
Endocarditis and the pharmacology of aminoglycosides are briefly reviewed. ODA is an alternative to conventional dosing in the treatment of endocarditis. Extensive work in endocarditis has been done recently in animals and humans to add to our understanding. Limited clinical data exist to support the theoretical advantages of increased efficacy, reduced toxicity, and potential cost savings versus traditional synergistic aminoglycoside dosing. Optimal monitoring of ODA remains undefined.
Conclusions:
Routine use of ODA for the treatment of endocarditis is not yet advocated. Promising supporting evidence and speculation of success of ODA in gram-positive endocarditis justify well-designed trials to further define its role in therapy.
Insights
Once-daily aminoglycosides (ODA) show potential for treating gram-positive endocarditis, but more research is needed. Current data is limited, and routine use is not yet recommended.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Gram-positive endocarditis is a serious infection.
- Aminoglycosides are a class of antibiotics used in treatment.
- Conventional dosing strategies exist for aminoglycoside therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of once-daily aminoglycosides (ODA) for gram-positive endocarditis.
- To review existing literature on ODA in endocarditis treatment.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a comprehensive literature search (MEDLINE, Current Contents) from 1984 to 1998.
- Included English-language studies: animal, human, in vitro, and reviews.
- Cross-referenced articles for additional relevant data.
Main Results:
- ODA presents a theoretical alternative to conventional aminoglycoside dosing for endocarditis.
- Limited clinical data currently supports ODA's advantages in efficacy, toxicity, or cost.
- Optimal monitoring strategies for ODA remain undefined.
Conclusions:
- Routine use of ODA for endocarditis is not currently advised.
- Further well-designed clinical trials are warranted to establish the role of ODA in gram-positive endocarditis therapy.
Related Concept Videos
Determination of Multiple Dosing Parameters: Steady-State, Minimum and Maximum Concentrations
Endocarditis I: Introduction
Endocarditis III: Medical Management
Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management
Myocarditis III: Medical Management
Inhibitors of Bacterial Protein Synthesis

