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 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.

Which 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.

Latest MedicineNet News

Daily Health News

Trending on MedicineNet

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).

QUESTION

Bowel regularity means a bowel movement every day. See Answer

Medically Reviewed on 8/19/2019

References

REFERENCE:

FDA Prescribing Information