What is the standard administration method for intravenous gentamicin?

The standard administration method for intravenous gentamicin is as an IV infusion over 30 minutes to two hours. This method is preferred because it allows for a more controlled release of the drug into the bloodstream, which can help maintain effective therapeutic levels while minimizing the risk of toxicity and adverse effects. Administering gentamicin too quickly via IV push could lead to higher peak serum concentrations and increase the likelihood of nephrotoxicity or ototoxicity, particularly in patients with compromised renal function. An infusion over an extended period ensures that the antibiotic's action is more gradual, which may also enhance patient comfort during administration.

Other methods, such as administering gentamicin over one or two minutes, do not provide the necessary time for safe drug levels to be achieved, hence are not the standard approach.