|
Introduction
of Amikacin
Amikacin is
an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat different types
of bacterial infections. Amikacin works by binding to the
bacterial 30S ribosomal subunit, causing misreading of mRNA
and leaving the bacterium unable to synthesize proteins
vital to its growth.
Amikacin may be administered once or twice a day but must be
given by the intravenous or intramuscular route and tend to
be painful. There is no oral form available. Dosage must be
adjusted in people with kidney failure.
Amikacin is most often used for treating severe,
hospital-acquired infections with multidrug resistant Gram
negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
Acinetobacter, and Enterobacter. Amikacin may be combined
with a beta-lactam antibiotic for empiric therapy for people
with neutropenia and fever.
Side Effects of Amikacin
Side effects of amikacin are similar to other
aminoglycosides. Kidney damage and hearing loss are the most
important effects. Because of this potential, blood levels
of the drug and markers of kidney function (creatinine) may
be monitored.
Disclaimer:
Information on this page is provided for general
information purposes. You should not make a clinical treatment
decision based on information contained in this page without
consulting other references including the package insert of
the drug, textbooks and where relevant, expert opinion. We
cannot be held responsible for any errors you make in
administering drugs mentioned on this page, nor for use of any
erroneous information contained on this page.
|
