Comparative toxicity of netilmicin and gentamicin in squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus)

Netilmicin was found to be less toxic than gentamicin when administered at comparable dosage levels to squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus). This finding is based upon data obtained from the following determinations: length of survival period; change in body weight; observation of general change in behavior after daily injection; ataxia, as measured by the squirrel monkey platform-runway test; acoustic reflex threshold; levels of blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine (and pathology of the kidney); and microbiological antibiotic assay.