What is amikacin injection, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Amikacin is a man-made aminoglycoside antibiotic. It is similar to tobramycin and gentamicin. Amikacin binds to components of bacteria that produce important bacterial proteins, blocking protein synthesis which eventually leads to stopping further bacterial growth. Amikacin is used to treat infections caused by bacteria that are resistant to gentamicin and tobramycin. Amikacin treats infections caused by gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas species, Escherichia coli, Providencia species, Indole-positive and indole-negative Proteus species, Klebsiella-Enterobacter-Serratia species, and Acinetobacter. Amikacin is also used in certain staphylococcal infections as well.
Is amikacin available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for amikacin?
Yes
What are the side effects of amikacin?
Side effects of Amikacin are:
- hearing loss,
- kidney dysfunction,
- loss of balance,
- muscular paralysis,
- fever,
- rash,
- headache, and
- low blood pressure.
Amikacin carries a boxed warning of loss of hearing and kidney dysfunction for individuals treated with high doses or for longer periods.
What is the dosage for amikacin?
The recommended dose for adults, children, and older infants with normal kidney function is 15 mg/kg/day divided into 2 or 3 doses; for example, 7.5 mg/kg every 12 hours or 5 mg/kg every 8 hours.
The duration of treatment is usually 7 to 10 days.
QUESTION
Bowel regularity means a bowel movement every day. See AnswerWhich drugs or supplements interact with amikacin?
Amikacin should not be used with amphotericin due to significant risk of loss of hearing and severe kidney dysfunction.
Amikacin should be used with great caution with medications like furosemide (Lasix), torsemide (Demadex), cyclosporine, and tacrolimus (Prograf) due to high risk of loss of hearing and kidney dysfunction.
Is amikacin safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Amikacin is harmful to the fetus and should not be used during pregnancy unless there are not safer options.
It is not known whether Amikacin enters breast milk; therefore, it is best to be cautious before using it while breastfeeding.
What else should I know about amikacin?
What preparations of amikacin are available?
Amikacin sulfate injection is colorless solution. It is available in 50 mg/ml and 250 mg/ml strengths in 2 ml vials. It is also available in 250 mg/ml strength in 4 ml vials.
How should I keep amikacin stored?
Store Amikacin at room temperature between 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F).
Summary
Amikacin sulfate (Amikin - discontinued) is an antibiotic injection prescribed to treat bacterial meningitis, infected burns, cystic fibrosis, and severe UTI infections. Side effects, drug interactions, dosage, storage, and pregnancy safety information should be reviewed prior to using this medication.
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