The aminoglycosides.

The three most commonly used aminoglycosides in obstetrics and gynecology are gentamicin, tobramycin, and amikacin. These drugs bind to subunits of the ribosome and inhibit bacterial protein synthesis. They are primarily active against aerobic gram-negative bacilli. Their principal adverse effects are nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, and neuromuscular blockage. They may be administered intramuscularly or intravenously and usually are used in combination with other drugs for treatment of disorders such as pyelonephritis, chorioamnionitis, puerperal endometritis, and pelvic inflammatory disease.