Aminoglycosides (AG) include gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin and streptomycin
AG exert bactericidal activity against gram-negative bacteria
AG exhibit concentration-dependent killing: higher serum concentrations result in higher rates and extent of bacterial killing
AG demonstrate a post-antibiotic effect: suppression of bacterial growth is continued even after serum concentrations have decreased below the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)
AG are nephrotoxic, ototoxic and can produce neuromuscular blockade (in patients with myasthenia gravis, the use of AG is contraindicated)