First do no harm: Routine use of aminoglycosides in the operating room

Abstract

For decades aminoglycosides have been used routinely in intraocular surgery to prevent and treat endophthalmitis. However, as more and more studies are conducted, the reality is that these drugs are causing more harm than they are preventing. Summarized herein are the most recent studies concluding that even low-dose aminoglycosides can cause toxic retinal damage. The conclusion, with pertinent recommendations from the Johns Hopkins Hospital, Wilmer Eye Institute Infection Control Committee, is that the questionable benefit of use of aminoglycosides intraoperatively is not justified by the risk of injury. (Insight - the Journal of the American Society of Ophthalmic Registered Nurses 2000;25:77–80.)