A white powder, it is a highly toxic broad spectrum systemic aminoglycoside antibiotic, used to treat severe infections. It works by inhibiting metabolic activities in the bacteria. It is not effective against fungal infections or viruses. It has been widely used in the treatment of gram-negative, and some gram-positive, organisms.
Ototoxicity (the harmful effect on the organs or nerves concerned with hearing and balance) has been shown to be a risk even before the auditory organs have begun to function in developing rats.
Warnings
Can cause kidney damage, so make sure your rat drinks plenty of water. Rats with infected kidneys are more susceptible to Gentamicin toxicity than healthy rats.
Rarely, it can also cause inner ear problems, which may give rise to some loss of coordination.