Aminoglycoside

Aminoglycoside, any of a group of antibiotics, including gentamicin, neomycin and streptomycin, that are effective against a wide range of bacteria. Aminoglycosides are usually given by injection because they cannot be absorbed through the intestine. Drugs in this group are quite toxic, with side effects including damage to the ears and kidneys. For this reason, they are only used for infections that do not respond to other antibiotics.