Abstract
Dibekacin(DKB)was the first antibiotic to be chemically synthesized on the basis of atheory concerning the inactivating mechanism clarified by UMEZAWAet al. 1, 2) Its chemical structural formula is as illustrated in Fig. 1. It is known that it has a potent antibacterial effect against both Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive bacteria, in particular against Pseudomonas aeruginosaand those bacteria resistant to many antibiotics, including gentamicin (GM). 3, 4)
It has already been reported that the ototoxicity of DKB is less than that of GM. 5-7) It has also been reported that its ototoxicity is less than that of sisomicin or tobramycin (TOB). 8) However, these reports were based on results from intramuscular administrations, and hardly any reports have so far been published on the ototoxicity of various antibiotics in this group administered intravenously, possibly because of difficulties in experimental technique.
In order to reproduce the effects of intravenous administration which is one of the methods of dosages for humans, we made a comparative study of the ototoxicity of DKB and TOB using rabbits to which continuous intravenous injections can usually be made with ease. The results obtained are described below.
