Dentamicin is a semi-synthetic aminoglycoside antibiotic related to gentamicin. It is produced by the growth of Micromonospora chersina or Micromonospora echinospora var. denitrificans.
Dentamicin and other aminoglycoside antibiotics have similar in vitro antimicrobial activity spectra. It is particularly active against Gram-negative bacteria, including Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus var. anitratus, and Burkholderia cepacia. The antibiotic is inactive against most Gram-positive bacteria (including staphylococci and enterococci) and obligate anaerobes.
Dentamicin shows no cross-resistance with penicillins, cephalosporins, erythromycin, clindamycin, and tetracycline.
Dentamicin resistance can be due to plasmid genes coding for enzyme-mediated modification of the antibiotic (most commonly via an adenylation process), or plasmid or chromosomal genes affecting ribosomal uptake.
Dentamicin is not well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It can produce ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity. These side effects are most prevalent among people with reduced kidney function and when dentamicin is administered in conjunction with other nephrotoxic antibiotics, such as vancomycin.