Concomitant gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity and bilateral ototoxicity.

Co-occurrence of aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity is rare, possibly as a result of divergent mechanisms of tissue damage despite similarities in the anatomy of the inner ear and the proximal renal tubular epithelium. We present the case of a 63-year-old hypertensive woman who developed nonoliguric acute exacerbation of chronic renal failure and sudden onset of sensorineural deafness after receiving daily injections of gentamicin. Coexisting ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity from aminoglycosides can occur, though rare. Adverse effects of aminoglycosides are better prevented by a careful exercise of discretion by prescribers.