I don't recommend aminoglycosides as empiric therapy in septic shock or severe 
sepsis, except in rare circumstances.  We have lots of alternatives and risk of 
nephrotoxicity in that situation is very high. If for some reason, that is what 
the doctor believes should be used, you could give a loading dose of a maximum 
of 2 mg/kg but no subsequent doses until level obtained. I would not use once 
daily dosing either. The best option would be to have your infectious disease 
specialist look at the empiric therapy regimens that the ED doctors are using 
and make suggestions for them to use in general. A good reference for  your 
doctors: The Sanford Guide to Antimicrobial Therapy 2013.

Jeffrey Silvers, M.D.
Medical Director of Quality, Eden Medical Center
Infectious Diseases specialist
From: [email protected] 
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Harkey,Jessica
Sent: Tuesday, September 17, 2013 10:28 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [Sepsis Groups] Aminoglycoside dosing in severe sepsis/septic shock

Hello there. I have been having some discussion with our pharmacists on whether 
or not patients who present to the ED in severe sepsis or septic shock should 
receive a full dose of an aminoglycoside (when indicated) within the first hour 
regardless of Cr clearance? The practice of our ED physicians thus far has been 
to order a full dose, and now we are getting some feedback from pharmacy to 
reduce the dose per renal function, which seems appropriate with consecutive 
doses along with monitoring drug levels. I am concerned about delaying 
administration.  For initial empric therapy what are the rest of you doing in 
such cases? Any literature available for me to share with the pharmacy?
Thank you!

Jessica Harkey, RN, BSN, CCRN
Sepsis Program Coordinator
San Joaquin Community Hospital
661-869-6874
[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
[cid:[email protected]]

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