Amikacin
Introduction To Amikacin
Amikacin is an antibiotic used to prevent or treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. These may include infections of the urinary tract, bones, and joints, lungs (eg. pneumonia), brain, blood, among others. It is also used in hospitalized patients to prevent infections.
Amikacin works by stopping the growth of bacteria. It is given as a drip (intravenous infusion) or as an injection directly into a vein or a muscle under the supervision of a healthcare professional and should not be self- administered. It should be used regularly at evenly spaced time intervals as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping the medicine too early may lead to the infection returning or worsening.
Common side effects of this medicine include injection site reactions and increased blood urea. Consult your doctor if any of these side effects persist or if your condition does not improve despite treatment.
Some patients receiving high doses may develop balance disorder (loss of balance), kidney damage, and hearing loss. Therefore, please follow all the instructions given by your doctor while using this medicine. Your doctor may also monitor you with regular kidney function tests, hearing tests, and urine tests during treatment. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding.
Uses of Amikacin
- Bacterial infections
Benefits of Amikacin
Bacterial infections
Amikacin is the injection form of an antibiotic medicine that stops the
growth of the infection-causing bacteria in your body. It is often injected by
a doctor or a nurse either into a vein or a muscle. This medicine is used to
treat many different types of infections such as urinary tract, bones and
joints, lungs (eg. pneumonia), brain, blood, and some others. This medicine
usually makes you feel better within a few days. Follow your doctor's
instructions carefully to get maximum benefit.
Side effects of Amikacin
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Kasen
- Increased blood urea
- Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)
How to use Amikacin
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
How Amikacin works
Amikacin is an antibiotic. It stops bacterial growth by preventing synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions.
Quick tips
- Your doctor has prescribed Amikacin to cure your infection and improve your symptoms.
- Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection come back and harder to treat.
- It is given as a drip (intravenous infusion) or as an injection directly into a vein or a muscle.
- Your doctor may get regular blood, urine, or hearing tests while you are on this medication.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding.
- Discontinue Amikacin and inform your doctor immediately if you get a rash, itchy skin, swelling of face and mouth, or have difficulty in breathing.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Amikacin if I’m pregnant?
Amikacin is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Amikacin if I’m breastfeeding?
Amikacin is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.
AlcoholSAFE
Is drinking alcohol while taking Amikacin safe?
Consuming alcohol with Amikacin does not cause any harmful side effects.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Amikacin?
Amikacin may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
KidneyCAUTION
Can I take Amikacin if I have/had kidney diseases?
Amikacin should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Amikacin may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
LiverSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Amikacin if I have/had liver diseases?
Amikacin is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Amikacin may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. For how long can Amikacin be taken?
The usual course of treatment with Amikacin is about 7 to 10 days. However, your doctor will decide your dose depending on the condition you are being treated for. Continue taking Amikacin in the dose and duration prescribed by the doctor to get maximum benefit. Do not alter the dose of the medicine on your own, consult your doctor first.
Q. Is Amikacin safe?
Amikacin is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and let your doctor know if any of the side effects bother you.
Q. How is Amikacin administered?
Amikacin should be administered under the supervision of a trained healthcare professional or a doctor only and should not be self-administered. The dose will depend on the condition you are being treated for and will be decided by your doctor. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get the maximum benefit from Amikacin.
Q. Can I take a higher than the recommended dose of this medicine?
No, Amikacin should be taken in the recommended dose only. Overdose of Amikacin can increase the risks of side effects. If you experience an increase in the severity of your symptoms during the treatment, please consult your doctor for re-evaluation.
Q. What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Amikacin?
Keep this medicine in the container or the pack it came in, tightly closed. Store it according to the instructions mentioned on the pack or label. Dispose of the unused medicine. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children, and other people.
Q. What if I don't get better after using Amikacin?
Inform your doctor if you don't feel better after finishing the full course of treatment. Also, consult your doctor if your symptoms are getting worse while using this medicine. The doctor may modify the dose or suggest an alternative medicine.
Q. Can I stop taking Amikacin when I feel better?
No, do not stop taking Amikacin and complete the full course of treatment even if you are feeling better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cured.
Q. Can I take alcohol while on Amikacin?
You should avoid alcohol while being on treatment with Amikacin. Alcohol consumption may worsen the dizziness and sleepiness that might be caused by Amikacin. However, if you do have alcohol and experience any side effects, consult your doctor.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
MediClap strives to make its website accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Should you encounter any difficulty accessing this website, kindly send an email to hello@mediclap.com to enable us to provide the necessary services through alternative means.
MediClap is not affiliated with nor sponsored by any of the third-party brands mentioned. All trademarks, brands, logos, and copyrights mentioned remain the sole property of their respective owners.