Amikacin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections when other treatments may not work.

It is commonly prescribed for:

  • Joint infections
  • Intra-abdominal infections
  • Meningitis
  • Pneumonia
  • Sepsis
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB)

What Are the Uses of Amikacin Injection?

This medicine is highly effective against a wide range of bacterial infections, especially when caused by drug-resistant bacteria.

Primary Uses

  • Treats moderate to severe bacterial infections
  • Effective against gram-negative bacteria
  • Helps manage infections in hospitalised patients

Secondary Uses

  • Used in cases where other antibiotics have failed
  • Treats infections resistant to penicillin or cephalosporins

How Does Amikacin Injection Work (Mechanism of Action)?

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.

Dosage of Amikacin

Always follow your doctor's dosage instructions based on your specific health condition and treatment plan.

How to Use Amikacin Sulfate Vial

  • This medication is administered through injection into veins or muscles, typically every 8 hours or as directed by your doctor.
  • Dosage is determined based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment. Laboratory tests may be conducted to adjust the dose.
  • For adults, 15mg per kg of body weight per day (usually divided into 2-3 doses).
  • Severe infections may require a higher dose under close monitoring.
  • If administering at home, learn preparation and usage instructions from your healthcare provider. Inspect the product for particles or discoloration before use; do not use it if present.
  • Store and dispose of medical supplies safely as instructed.
  • Use the antibiotic at evenly spaced intervals for optimal effectiveness, ideally at the same time daily.
  • Complete the prescribed course of medication even if symptoms improve early. Stopping early can allow bacteria to persist and cause a recurrence of infection.

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Amikacin?

Missing a dose can reduce the effectiveness of treatment, so it's important to stay consistent.

  • If you forget to take any dose, take it at the time you remember.
  • If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one
  • Never take two doses at once.

What Happens If I Overdose on Amikacin?

Overdosing on Amikacin can be dangerous and needs immediate medical attention. Do not take extra doses of this medicine.

Symptoms of Overdose May Include:

  • Hearing loss
  • Dizziness
  • Muscle weakness
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Decreased urine output

Contact a doctor or go to the nearest emergency center if an overdose is suspected.

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What Are the Side Effects of Amikacin Injection?

Like all medications, Amikacin injection may cause some side effects. While many are manageable, some may need medical attention.

Common Side Effects

  • Agitation
  • Black, tarry stools
  • Bloody or cloudy urine
  • Bluish lips or skin
  • Blurred vision
  • Itching
  • Chills
  • Coma
  • Cough, fever
  • Headache
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Iethargy
  • Muscle pain or stiffness
  • Nausea, drowsiness
  • Pain in the joints, lower back or side
  • Painful or difficult urination
  • Pale skin
  • Rapid weight gain
  • Seizures
  • Difficulty with moving
  • Dizziness
  • Faintness or lightheadedness
  • Dry mouth
  • Sore throat
  • Ulcers
  • White spots on the mouth
  • Stupor
  • Sweating, swollen glands
  • Swelling of the face, ankles, or hands
  • Trembling or shaking of the hands

Serious Side Effects (Rare but Severe)

Seek medical help if any symptoms worsen or become concerning.

Precautions Before Using Amikacin

  • Inform your doctor if you are allergic to amikacin or other aminoglycoside antibiotics like tobramycin or gentamicin, or if you have any other allergies. This medication may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions.
  • Before using amikacin, disclose your medical history, especially if you have cystic fibrosis, hearing problems, kidney issues, low blood minerals, myasthenia gravis, or Parkinson's disease.
  • Amikacin can interfere with live bacterial vaccines (e.g., typhoid vaccine). Avoid immunizations/vaccinations unless advised by your doctor.
  • Older adults may be more prone to kidney damage from amikacin.
  • Use of amikacin during pregnancy is not recommended due to potential risks, although harm to infants has not been reported with its use. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor.
  • Amikacin passes into breast milk in small amounts. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding while using this medication.

Possible Interactions with Other Medications

Amikacin may interact with certain medicines, increasing the risk of kidney or ear damage.

Tell Your Doctor If You Are Taking:

  • Diuretics (like furosemide)
  • Other antibiotics (e.g., vancomycin)
  • Muscle relaxants or anesthesia
  • Herbal products or supplements

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.

How Should Amikacin Be Stored?

Proper storage ensures the medicine remains safe and effective throughout its use.

  • Keep all drugs away from pets and children.
  • Do not flush the medication down the toilet or pour it into the sink unless instructed to do so.
  • Discard this product properly when it has expired or is no longer needed.
  • Consult your pharmacist about the local waste disposal company.

Amikacin vs Gentamicin

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

References

Pharmacokinetics of amikacin in intensive care unit patients
Amikacin - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
Amikacin - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions

Amikacin 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.

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