How to administer nebulised Gentamicin
This leaflet provides information about the use of nebulised Gentamicin. It is not intended to replace talking with medical or nursing staff.
The fine mist created by a nebuliser allows particles of medication to be breathed in to reach the airways in the lungs.
Instructions for the use
Your chest should be cleared of secretions prior to taking the nebulised antibiotic, eg by doing your breathing exercises.
You should take this treatment twice per day, around 12 hours apart. It is advisable to nebulise Gentamicin in your own room with the door shut and window open.
Equipment required
2.5mg/2.5mls Salbutamol
Gentamicin 80mg/2ml solution for injection vials
Blunt fill needles
Syringes
Sharps box
Nebuliser/Compressor
Elephant tubing – corrugated tubing 5m x 22mm Meditech
How to administer nebulised Gentamicin
Before you start
Take your Salbutamol via your nebuliser as prescribed at least 15 minutes before inhaling the Gentamicin.
Instructions on preparing and using nebulised Gentamicin:
1 Wash and dry hands.
2 Prepare all equipment on a clean surface.
3 Check the ampule of Gentamicin is the prescribed dose and is in date.
4 Snap off the top off the Gentamicin ampoule. Draw up the Gentamicin liquid using the needle and syringe provided and pour into the nebuliser chamber.
5 Dispose of your sharps in the sharps bin.
6 Put the nebuliser together by connecting the nebuliser chamber to the nebuliser with the tubing supplied.
7 Sit comfortably in an upright position.
8 Ensure the nebuliser is plugged in.
9 Seal your lips around the mouthpiece, turn on the nebuilser and breathe in and out of your mouth at a normal comfortable rate.
10 If a short break is required at intervals, you can switch off the nebuliser and start again when ready.
11 The treatment is finished when the nebuliser begins to spit.
12 When finished, rinse the chamber and mouthpiece and allow it to dry.
13 Wash your hands.
14 Rinse your mouth after every dose of the nebulised antibiotic.
Will this affect my other medication?
The nebulised antibiotic is poorly absorbed through the lung into the bloodstream and therefore should not affect any other medication taken.
Side effects?
A test dose of the nebulised antibiotic is given by the respiratory team to check for side effects.
If you experience any symptoms of increase wheeze, chest tightness or difficulty with breathing when taking your antibiotics, you should immediately:
1 STOP the nebuliser.
2 Take your RELIEVER inhaler up to six puffs or nebuliser (Salbutamol/ Ventolin) as prescribed.
3 If this is severe and does not improve with Salbutamol, go to the Accident and Emergency Department at your local hospital or phone for an ambulance.
4 Inform the respiratory team at the earliest opportunity.
How to administer nebulised Gentamicin
How long will I take Gentamicin for?
Your clinician will instruct you on the length of treatment. A sputum sample should be sent to your GP before 12pm 48 hours after completing your treatment course.
Cleaning the nebuliser
Bacteria like a warm moist environment.
If you do not clean the nebuliser, bacteria will thrive. Please clean the equipment as follows:
1 Keep your nebuliser clean and dry. A small amount of drug always remains in the medication container after treatment. This can block the nebuliser jets if not cleaned.
2 After every use disconnect the nebuliser from the tubing and turn on the nebuliser for a short period to clear any moisture from the tubing.
3 Remove the tubing and the mouthpiece from the nebuliser.
4 Wash the medication container and mouthpiece in hot soapy water. Rinse under warm running water and allow it to dry thoroughly.
Care of the nebulsiers
Keep your nebuliser on a firm surface, and not on the carpet or floor, to avoid dust being drawn in. Regularly wipe clean with a damp cloth. The nebuliser should be serviced every 12 months.
Contact details
Respiratory team
0300 131 0111 Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm
