Side Effects

• Common side effects of aminoglycosides include unsteadiness, dizziness, changes in urine output, loss of appetite, increased thirst, seizures or muscle twitching, nausea and vomiting. Streptomycin sulfate may also cause burning, tingling or numbness of the mouth or face. When gentamicin is administered by injection, skin rash, leg cramps, convulsions and fever can occur.
  
  Less common side effects of aminoglycoside medications include skin rash, fever, chills, shaking, drowsiness, trouble breathing and weakness. A less common side effect of streptomycin is loss of vision.
  
  

Ototoxicity

• Aminoglycosides can damage a person's inner ear or auditory nerve causing "ear poisoning." This damage can be permanent. Symptoms of ear damage include hearing loss, unsteadiness, feeling of ear fullness, dizziness, unable to tolerate head movement and lightheadedness. Your physician should be notified immediately if you experience these symptoms.
  
  

Nephrotoxicity

• Unlike hearing damage caused by aminoglycoside medications, kidney toxicity is usually reversible upon discontinuation of the medication. Symptoms of kidney toxicity may not be noticeable, but can include decrease urination, thirst, increased heart rate, dizziness and decreased appetite. Kidney damage is diagnosed and monitored with lab work performed at the direction of your physician.
  
  

Age Considerations

• Children and elderly persons are most sensitive to the effects of aminoglycosides. Serious side effects such as unsteadiness, kidney toxicity and hearing damage should be monitored closely in these age groups. Aminoglycosides can cause damage to the developing fetus in pregnant women, but does not seem to affect nursing infants.
  
  

After Treatment

• Side effects can still occur after discontinuation of aminoglycoside treatment. Side effects to report to your physician immediately include loss of hearing, unsteadiness, dizziness, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased or decreased urine output, nausea, vomiting, ringing in your ears and feeling fullness in the ears.