Amikacin: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage and Interactions
Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Mithil B Ghushe, Internal Medicine
Amikacin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections when other treatments may not work.
It is commonly prescribed for:
This medicine is highly effective against a wide range of bacterial infections, especially when caused by drug-resistant bacteria.
Amikacin works by stopping the growth of bacteria, making it easier for the body to fight off infection.
Amikacin is a class of drugs known as aminoglycoside antibiotics and blocks bacterial protein synthesis, which stops bacteria from multiplying.
Always follow your doctor's dosage instructions based on your specific health condition and treatment plan.
Missing a dose can reduce the effectiveness of treatment, so it's important to stay consistent.
Overdosing on Amikacin can be dangerous and needs immediate medical attention. Do not take extra doses of this medicine.
Symptoms of Overdose May Include:
Contact a doctor or go to the nearest emergency center if an overdose is suspected.
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
Get Second OpinionLike all medications, Amikacin injection may cause some side effects. While many are manageable, some may need medical attention.
Seek medical help if any symptoms worsen or become concerning.
Amikacin may interact with certain medicines, increasing the risk of kidney or ear damage.
Tell Your Doctor If You Are Taking:
Avoid starting or stopping any medicine without medical advice.
Do not suddenly start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine without your doctor's approval.
Other drugs that may affect the kidneys or the hearing may increase the risk of kidney damage or hearing loss if taken with amikacin.
Proper storage ensures the medicine remains safe and effective throughout its use.
| Amikacin | Gentamicin |
|---|---|
| Amikacin is an antibiotic medication | Gentamicin is an antibiotic medication |
| Molecular Formula: C22H43N5O13 | Formula: C21H43N5O7 |
| Molar mass: 586 g/mol | Molecular Formula: C21H43N5O7 |
| This medicine is used to prevent or treat a wide range of bacterial infections. | Gentamicin used to treat several types of bacterial infections |
| Amikacin injection is from the class of medications called aminoglycoside antibiotics. | Drug Class: Aminoglycoside antibiotic |

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040-68334455Amikacin exhibits strong activity against specific Gram-positive bacteria like Staphylococcus and Nocardia. It is also effective against non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections and, in cases where first-line treatments are ineffective, sensitive strains of tuberculosis.
Amikacin is administered once daily to outpatients and may be considered for mild to moderate urinary tract infections caused by ESBL-producing E. coli. This option is particularly viable in cases where patients cannot tolerate carbapenems or in settings with limited medical resources, provided close monitoring of renal function is maintained.
Amikacin sulfate injection is given intravenously or intramuscularly. Amikacin should not be physically premixed with any other medicinal drugs but should be administered separately based on the recommended dose and route. The patient's initial body weight should be obtained to ensure accurate dosage calculation.
Amikacin is a highly effective amino-glycoside, highly effective against extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) bacteria. Older patients suffer from more urinary tract infections (UTIs) and have a higher frequency of infections with resistant bacteria, especially among frail nursing home residents.
Once-daily amikacin was shown to kill more than 8 h higher than all other drugs administered as monotherapy for both strains tested (P < 0.01). Regrowth by 24 h was greatest for the amikacin regimen (P < 0.01) but was evident for all monotherapy regimens against both strains.
The plasma elimination half-life of amikacin in adults with normal renal function is usually 2-3 hours. 94-98 percent of a single IM or IV amikacin dose is excreted unchanged by glomerular filtration within 24 hours.
To reduce the risk of aminoglycoside toxicity, it's important to tailor the loading and maintenance doses of the medication according to the estimated creatinine clearance. Monitoring the serum levels of aminoglycosides is crucial, along with addressing any volume depletion and correcting electrolyte imbalances, particularly potassium and magnesium.
Amikacin induced nephrotoxicity primarily through oxidative reactions. This antibiotic, widely used to combat bacterial infections, can lead to significant kidney damage in both clinical settings and experimental studies.
The typical treatment duration for Amikacin ranges from 7 to 10 days. Whenever feasible, treatment should be kept short-term. The total daily dose across all administration routes should not exceed 15 mg/kg/day.
No, amikacin is not available in tablet form. It is usually given as an injection, either intramuscularly or intravenously, to treat serious bacterial infections.
Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.