Editing Gentamicin (section)

===Special populations===
====Pregnancy and breastfeeding====
Gentamicin is not recommended in pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks for the mother. Gentamicin can cross the [[placenta]] and several reports of [[congenital hearing loss|irreversible bilateral congenital deafness]] in children have been seen. [[Intramuscular injection|Intramuscular]] injection of gentamicin in mothers can cause [[muscle weakness]] in the [[newborn]].<ref name="Product Monograph" />

The safety and efficacy for gentamicin in nursing mothers has not been established. Detectable gentamicin levels are found in human breast milk and in nursing babies.<ref name="Product Monograph" />

====Elderly====
In the elderly, [[renal function]] should be assessed before beginning therapy as well as during treatment due to a decline in glomerular filtration rate. Gentamicin levels in the body can remain higher for a longer period of time in this population. Gentamicin should be used cautiously in persons with [[Kidney|renal]], [[Auditory system|auditory]], [[Vestibular system|vestibular]], or [[Neuromuscular junction|neuromuscular]] dysfunction.<ref name="Baxter Corporation" />

====Children====
Gentamicin may not be appropriate to use in children, including babies. Studies have shown higher [[Serum (blood)|serum]] levels and a longer [[half-life]] in this population.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Sato Y | title = Pharmacokinetics of antibiotics in neonates | journal = Acta Paediatrica Japonica | volume = 39 | issue = 1 | pages = 124–131 | date = February 1997 | pmid = 9124044 | doi = 10.1111/j.1442-200X.1997.tb03569.x | s2cid = 23564581 }}</ref> [[Kidney function]] should be checked periodically during therapy. Long-term effects of treatment can include hearing loss and balance problems. [[Hypocalcemia]], [[hypokalemia]], and [[muscle weakness]] have been reported when used by injection.<ref name="Baxter Corporation" />