Once-daily administration of aminoglycosides

OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of the efficacy and adverse effects associated with once-daily administration of aminoglycosides. DATA SOURCES: An extensive MEDLINE search and review of journals was conducted to identify information for this review. DATA SYNTHESIS: Aminoglycosides alone or in combination with beta-lactams are commonly used for their activity against gram-negative microorganisms. Numerous studies have been performed comparing efficacy and toxicity of once-daily administration of aminoglycosides with multiple-daily dosing. Two studies have found a significant difference in clinical efficacy between once-daily and multiple-daily dosing of aminoglycosides. Several studies have observed a lower incidence of toxicity with once-daily than multiple-daily dosing, but others have found no difference. CONCLUSIONS: Review of the literature suggests that once-daily administration of aminoglycosides may be as safe and effective as multiple-daily dosing regimens for the treatment of certain infections caused by gram-negative bacteria.