Oklahoma Certified Medication Aide Practice Test

Aminoglycosides are known for two main toxic effects: damage to the kidneys and damage to the ears. They can accumulate in the kidney’s proximal tubular cells, leading to nephrotoxicity, especially with longer courses, higher doses, dehydration, or existing kidney problems. They also accumulate in the inner ear’s hair cells, causing ototoxicity that can manifest as hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance problems; this damage can be irreversible even after stopping the drug. Because of these risks, the kidneys and ears are the organs most affected by aminoglycoside therapy. The other organ systems listed — heart and lungs, liver and spleen, or brain and spinal cord — are not typical targets of this drug’s toxicity.