Name two major toxicities associated with aminoglycosides and a key monitoring practice.

Name two major toxicities associated with aminoglycosides and a key monitoring practice.

• A. Hepatotoxicity and QT prolongation; monitor liver enzymes
• B. Neutropenia and thrombosis; monitor CBC
• C. Nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity; monitor renal function and trough levels
• D. Photosensitivity and renal failure; monitor creatinine clearance

Answer: (C)

Two major toxicities from aminoglycosides are nephrotoxicity (kidney injury) and ototoxicity (hearing and balance damage). Because these drugs can accumulate in the body with continued use, the key monitoring practice is checking renal function and trough drug levels. Regularly measuring creatinine or eGFR tracks kidney health, while trough levels—the lowest concentration just before the next dose—help keep drug levels low enough between doses to reduce toxicity, yet allow effective antibacterial activity when paired with appropriate peak concentrations. If kidney function worsens or troughs are too high, dosing or interval timing is adjusted to minimize risk. Other options mention toxicities not typical for aminoglycosides, which is why this choice is the best fit.

Two major toxicities from aminoglycosides are nephrotoxicity (kidney injury) and ototoxicity (hearing and balance damage). Because these drugs can accumulate in the body with continued use, the key monitoring practice is checking renal function and trough drug levels. Regularly measuring creatinine or eGFR tracks kidney health, while trough levels—the lowest concentration just before the next dose—help keep drug levels low enough between doses to reduce toxicity, yet allow effective antibacterial activity when paired with appropriate peak concentrations. If kidney function worsens or troughs are too high, dosing or interval timing is adjusted to minimize risk. Other options mention toxicities not typical for aminoglycosides, which is why this choice is the best fit.