Which aminoglycoside characteristically produces predominantly vestibular rather than cochlear toxicity?
- A Gentamicin ✓
- B Neomycin
- C Amikacin
- D Kanamycin
Correct answer: A. Gentamicin
Explanation
Gentamicin, like streptomycin, preferentially destroys type I hair cells of the vestibular apparatus, producing giddiness, ataxia and oscillopsia with comparatively preserved hearing. Amikacin, kanamycin, neomycin and tobramycin are chiefly cochleotoxic, damaging outer hair cells of the basal turn and causing high-tone hearing loss. Neomycin is the most cochleotoxic of all, which is why it is avoided parenterally. Monitoring gentamicin levels reduces this risk.
Reference: Katzung's Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 15th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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