Gentamicin Injection USP 40 mg/mL (80mg/2mL) – caution if used as an inhalation

Gentamicin Injection USP 40 mg/mL (80mg/2mL) – Alternative product filling shortage may cause airway irritation if administered via inhalation

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) have advised that Gentamicin Injection USP 40 mg/mL (80 mg/2 mL) ampoules may cause irritation to the airways if used as an inhalation to treat certain infections in the lungs due to the presence of the preservatives methylparaben 0.9 mg and propylparaben 0.1 mg.

Clinicians using this product for off-label use via inhalation should have regard for the presence of preservatives and the possible effect they may have on a patient’s airways.

To access more information about this safety alert from the TGA please click here.

Update 15 September 2022: ANZCA notes the shortage in question has been resolved. However, it remains our advice that clinicians using the Gentamicin injection USP 40 mg/mL (80 mg/2 mL) ampoule product off-label for inhalation should have regard to the presence of preservatives that may cause irritation to patient airways.