Amikacin: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Use

What is Amikacin for?

Amikacin is used to prevent or treat various kinds of bacterial infections. Amikacin belongs to the class of aminoglycoside antibiotics. This drug works to stop the growth of bacteria in the body.

What are the rules for using Amikacin?

This medication is given by injection into a vein or muscle as directed by a doctor. This medicine is usually given every eight hours or as directed by a doctor.

Dosage depends on your medical, body weight, and response to treatment. Laboratory tests (such as kidney function, blood drug levels) can be done to help find the best dose for you.

If you are using this medication on your own at home, learn all the preparations and directions for use from your doctor or pharmacist. Before using this medication, pay attention to whether there are foreign particles or discoloration in the bottle.

If you see either (or both), don't use the medication. Learn how to store and dispose of medical supplies safely.

Antibiotics work best when the amounts are at a constant level in your body. Therefore, use this drug regularly. To help keep you from forgetting easily, use the medication at the same time every day.

Continue to use this medication until the prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping treatment too early allows bacteria to continue to grow and can result in a return of infection.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or gets worse. Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Amikacin?

This medication is best stored at room temperature and kept away from exposure to direct light and humid places. Don't store it in the bathroom and don't freeze it either. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules.

Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal agency about how to safely dispose of your medicine.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of Amikacin for adults?

Adult dosage for bacteremia

15 mg / kg IV or IM per day (for 30 to 60 minutes) in 2-3 separate doses of equal amounts. The maximum daily dose for the treatment of bacteremia is 15 mg / kg / day. The length of therapy required is 7 to 10 days.

Patients with more severe conditions should not exceed 1.5 mg / day. The most dangerous conditions usually show a response after 24 to 48 hours. If clinical response does not occur for 3 to 5 days, treatment should be discontinued.

Adult dosage for intraabdominal infections

15 mg / kg IV or IM per day (for 30 to 60 minutes) in 2-3 separate doses of equal amounts. The maximum daily dose is 15 mg / kg / day. The length of therapy required is 7 to 10 days.

Adult dosage for joint infections

15 mg / kg IV or IM per day (for 30 to 60 minutes) in 2-3 separate doses of equal amounts. The maximum daily dose is 15 mg / kg / day. The length of therapy required is 7 to 10 days.

Adult dosage for osteomyelitis

15 mg / kg IV or IM per day (for 30 to 60 minutes) in 2-3 separate doses of equal amounts. The maximum daily dose is 15 mg / kg / day. The length of therapy required is 7 to 10 days.

Adult dosage for pneumonia

15 mg / kg IV or IM per day (for 30 to 60 minutes) in 2-3 separate doses of equal amounts. The maximum daily dose for the treatment of pneumonia is 15 mg / kg / day. The length of therapy required is 7 to 10 days.

Adult dosage for skin infections or soft tissue infections

15 mg / kg IV or IM per day (for 30 to 60 minutes) in 2-3 separate doses of equal amounts. The maximum daily dose is 15 mg / kg / day. The length of therapy required is 7 to 10 days.

Adult dosage for meningitis

15 mg / kg IV or IM per day (for 30 to 60 minutes) in 2-3 separate doses of equal amounts. The maximum daily dose for meningitis is 15 mg / kg / day. The length of therapy required is 7 to 10 days.

Adult dosage for peritonitis

15 mg / kg IV or IM per day (for 30 to 60 minutes) in 2-3 separate doses of equal amounts. The maximum daily dose is 15 mg / kg / day. The length of therapy required is 7 to 10 days.

Adult dosage for tuberculosis - active

15 mg / kg (maximum 1 g) IM or IV every 24 hours or 25 mg IM or IV 3 times a week.

Adult dosage for urinary tract infections

15 mg / kg IV or IM per day (for 30 to 60 minutes) in 2-3 separate doses of equal amounts. The maximum daily dose is 15 mg / kg / day. The length of therapy required is 7 to 10 days.

For non-serious infections, the dosage is 250 mg IM or IV (for 30 to 60 minutes) twice daily.

What is the dose of amikacin for children?

Children's dosage for bacteremia

Amikacin dosage for newborns:

Initial dose: 10 mg / kg IM once used
Maintenance dose: 7.5 mg / kg IM or via IV infusion (for 1 to 2 hours) every 12 hours.
Maximum dose: 15 mg / kg / day
Duration of therapy: 7 to 10 days

Amikacin dosage for toddlers and children:

15 mg / kg IV or IM per day (for 30 to 60 minutes) in 2-3 separate doses of equal amounts. The maximum daily dose is 15 mg / kg / day. The length of therapy required is 7 to 10 days.

Children's dosage for intraabdominal infections

For newborns:

Initial dose: 10 mg / kg IM once used
Maintenance dose: 7.5 mg / kg IM or via IV infusion (for 1 to 2 hours) every 12 hours.
Maximum dose: 15 mg / kg / day
Duration of therapy: 7 to 10 days

For toddlers and children:

15 mg / kg IV or IM per day (for 30 to 60 minutes) in 2-3 separate doses of equal amounts. The maximum daily dose is 15 mg / kg / day. The length of therapy required is 7 to 10 days.

Children's dosage for joint infections

Amikacin dosage for newborns:

Initial dose: 10 mg / kg IM once used
Maintenance dose: 7.5 mg / kg IM or via IV infusion (for 1 to 2 hours) every 12 hours.
Maximum dose: 15 mg / kg / day
Duration of therapy: 7 to 10 days

For toddlers and children:

15 mg / kg IV or IM per day (for 30 to 60 minutes) in 2-3 separate doses of equal amounts. The maximum daily dose is 15 mg / kg / day. The length of therapy required is 7 to 10 days.

Children's dosage for osteomyelitis

Amikacin dosage for newborns:

Initial dose: 10 mg / kg IM once used
Maintenance dose: 7.5 mg / kg IM or via IV infusion (for 1 to 2 hours) every 12 hours.
Maximum dose: 15 mg / kg / day
Duration of therapy: 7 to 10 days

For toddlers and children:

15 mg / kg IV or IM per day (for 30 to 60 minutes) in 2-3 separate doses of equal amounts. The maximum daily dose is 15 mg / kg / day. The length of therapy required is 7 to 10 days.

Children's dosage for pneumonia

Amikacin dosage for newborns:

Initial dose: 10 mg / kg IM once used
Maintenance dose: 7.5 mg / kg IM or via IV infusion (for 1 to 2 hours) every 12 hours.
Maximum dose: 15 mg / kg / day
Duration of therapy: 7 to 10 days

For toddlers and children:

15 mg / kg IV or IM per day (for 30 to 60 minutes) in 2-3 separate doses of equal amounts. The maximum daily dose is 15 mg / kg / day. The length of therapy required is 7 to 10 days.

Children's dosage for soft tissue infections

Amikacin dosage for newborns in the treatment of soft tissue infections:

Initial dose: 10 mg / kg IM once used
Maintenance dose: 7.5 mg / kg IM or via IV infusion (for 1 to 2 hours) every 12 hours.
Maximum dose: 15 mg / kg / day
Duration of therapy: 7 to 10 days

For toddlers and children:

15 mg / kg IV or IM per day (for 30 to 60 minutes) in 2-3 separate doses of equal amounts. The maximum daily dose is 15 mg / kg / day. The length of therapy required is 7 to 10 days.

Children's dosage for meningitis

Amikacin dosage for newborns:

Initial dose: 10 mg / kg IM once used
Maintenance dose: 7.5 mg / kg IM or via IV infusion (for 1 to 2 hours) every 12 hours.
Maximum dose: 15 mg / kg / day
Duration of therapy: 7 to 10 days

For toddlers and children:

15 mg / kg IV or IM per day (for 30 to 60 minutes) in 2-3 separate doses of equal amounts. The maximum daily dose is 15 mg / kg / day. The length of therapy required is 7 to 10 days.

Children's dosage for peritonitis

Amikacin dosage for newborns:

Initial dose: 10 mg / kg IM once used
Maintenance dose: 7.5 mg / kg IM or via IV infusion (for 1 to 2 hours) every 12 hours.
Maximum dose: 15 mg / kg / day
Duration of therapy: 7 to 10 days

For toddlers and children:

15 mg / kg IV or IM per day (for 30 to 60 minutes) in 2-3 separate doses of equal amounts. The maximum daily dose is 15 mg / kg / day. The length of therapy required is 7 to 10 days.

Children's dosage for urinary tract infections

Amikacin dosage for newborns:

Initial dose: 10 mg / kg IM once used
Maintenance dose: 7.5 mg / kg IM or via IV infusion (for 1 to 2 hours) every 12 hours.
Maximum dose: 15 mg / kg / day
Duration of therapy: 7 to 10 days

For toddlers and children:

15 mg / kg IV or IM per day (for 30 to 60 minutes) in 2-3 separate doses of equal amounts. The maximum daily dose is 15 mg / kg / day. The length of therapy required is 7 to 10 days.

For non-serious infections, the dosage is 250 mg IM or IV (for 30 to 60 minutes) twice daily.

Children's dosage for bacterial infections

Serious infection:
0-7 days old and 0-2 kg body weight: 15 mg IV or IM every 48 hours
0-7 days old weighing more than 2 kg: 15 mg IV or IM every 24 hours
8-28 days old, 0-2 kg body weight: 15 mg IV or IM every 24 hours
8-28 days old and weighing more than 2 kg: 17.5 mg every 24 hours
Over 28 days old: 15 to 22.5 mg IV or IM in 2 to 3 separate doses or 15-20 mg IV or IM once a day

In what dosage and preparation is amikacin available?

Injection 250 mg / mL

Injections for children 50 mg / mL

Side effects

What side effects may occur due to amikacin?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using amikacin and seek emergency medical help:

• Allergic reaction (shortness of breath, stuffy throat, hives, swelling of the lips, face, or tongue, rash, or fainting)
• Urinating little or no urine
• Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or unsteadiness
• Numbness, tingling sensation, muscle twitching, or spasms
• Severe diarrhea and stomach cramps

Other, less serious side effects may occur frequently. Keep using amikacin if you experience any of the following reactions, then discuss it with your doctor:

• Increased thirst
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rash in the injection area

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be known before using amikacin?

Before using amikacin, make sure to do the following:

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to amikacin, gentamicin (Garamycin), kanamycin (Kantrex), neomycin, netilmycin (Netromycin), streptomycin, tobramycin (Nebcin), or any other medication.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist about any prescription and non-prescription drugs you are taking, especially diuretics ('water pill'), cisplatin (Platinol), amphotericin (Amphotec, Fungizone), other antibiotics, and vitamins.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease, vertigo, hearing loss, ringing in the ears, myasthenia gravis, or Parkinson's disease.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using amikacin, contact your doctor immediately. amikacin can harm the fetus

Is amikacin safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

It is not recommended to use this medicine if you are pregnant. This medicine may be a risk for the condition of your fetus. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category D according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = Maybe risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Meanwhile, this drug can be released through breast milk which is consumed by a breastfeeding baby to a mother who uses the drug. If a nursing mother has to take this medicine then she will have to decide between stopping breastfeeding or stopping using amikacin. Because, the effect of drugs on the fetus is still unknown.

Interaction

What medicines may interact with amikacin?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this article.

Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

The following is a list of drugs that may interact with amikacin:

• Amifampridine
• Ataluren
• Alcuronium
• Atracurium
• Cidofovir
• Cisatracurium
• Colistemethate Sodium
• Decamethonium
• Doxacurium
• Ethacrynic Acid
• Fazadinium
• Foscarnet
• Furosemide
• Gallamine
• Hexafluorenium
• Lysine
• Metocurine
• Mivacurium
• Pancuronium
• Pipecuronium
• Rapacuronium
• Rocuronium
• Succinylcholine
• Tacrolimus
• Tubocurarine
• Vancomycin
• Vecuronium
• Ibuprofen

Can food or alcohol interact with amikacin?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur.

So far, no specific food or drink has been known to interact with amikacin. However, still discuss your drug use with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with amikacin?

The presence of other health problems in your body may affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, such as:

• Asthma
• Sulfite allergy, or a history of allergies. This medicine contains sodium metabisulfite which can cause an allergic reaction in patients with this condition.
• Severe kidney disease
• Muscle problems
• Myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness)
• Nerve problems
• Parkinson's disease. Use this drug with caution. It is possible that by using this medicine your condition will get worse.
• Kidney illness. Use this drug with caution. Side effects may increase due to slowing down the process of clearing the drug from the body.

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (118/119) or immediately to the emergency department of the nearest hospital.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of amikacin, consult your doctor. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.