Important Note

For patients receiving gentamicin via conventional dosing methods peak drug monitoring should begin after a steady state is achieved (usually after 3–4 doses). Samples for peak concentrations should be collected 60–90 minutes after intravenous infusion.

Specimens from patients receiving β-lactam antibiotics (penicillins and cephalosporins) must be analyzed immediately upon receipt or stored frozen to prevent in vitro inactivation of gentamicin.