GENERIC NAME: AMIKACIN INJECTION (am-eh-KAY-sin)

BRAND NAME(S): Amikin

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: This drug has caused kidney problems, nerve damage or permanent hearing loss, even at usual doses. Hearing loss can occur even after the drug is stopped. If you already have kidney problems or hearing difficulty, tell your doctor. Notify your doctor immediately if any of the following occur: ringing in your ears, hearing loss, unusual change in amount of urine, dizziness, numbness, skin tingling, muscle twitching or seizures. This drug may be stopped if you develop kidney or hearing problems. Your doctor will monitor your progress to minimize the possibility of these effects occurring and may run certain tests (e.g., hearing and/or kidney tests). Do not use this medication with other drugs that can cause nerve, kidney or hearing problems. Other factors that increase the risk of these side effects occurring include advanced age or dehydration (unusual thirst).

USES: This medication is an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of serious bacterial infections, such as respiratory tract infections, skin infections, urinary tract infections, and infections of the blood, abdomen or bones. This medication must be given by injection since it is poorly absorbed if taken by mouth.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection. It may be injected into a large muscle such as the buttocks or infused into a vein over 30 minutes to one hour. It is usually given two or three times a day for 7 to 10 days. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by using the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night as prescribed. Continue using this for the full time prescribed. Stopping the medication too soon may result in ineffective treatment.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause nausea, vomiting or weakness as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects continue or become severe, inform your doctor. This medication can cause hearing loss or kidney damage especially if used in high doses or for prolonged periods of time. It is important the proper dose be used. The site where the injection is given may be red and irritated for a few days. Notify your doctor if the irritation continues or becomes worse. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop: dizziness, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, skin rash, difficulty breathing, difficult or painful urination, muscle twitching. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

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