What it's for (Indications)
- Amikacin sulfate is indicated for serious infections caused by amikacin-sensitive gram-negative organisms.
- It is also used in known or suspected staphylococcal infections.
- It is bactericidal against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in vitro.
Dosage Information
| Type | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Standard | The patient's pretreatment body weight should be obtained for calculation of correct dosage. Amikacin Sulfate Injection may be given intramuscularly or intravenously. Renal function status should be estimated by measuring serum creatinine concentration or calculating endogenous creatinine clearance rate (BUN is less reliable). Reassessment of renal function should be made periodically during therapy. Whenever possible, amikacin serum concentrations should be measured to ensure adequate but not excessive levels. It is desirable to measure both peak (30 to 90 minutes after injection) and trough (just prior to the next dose) serum concentrations intermittently during therapy. Peak concentrations above 35 micrograms per mL and trough concentrations above 10 micrograms per mL should be avoided. Dosage should be adjusted as indicated. Vials are for single-dose only, and any unused portion should be discarded. |
Safety & Warnings
Common Side Effects
- Patients taking this medication may experience ototoxicity (damage to the ear), nephrotoxicity (damage to the kidney), and neuromuscular blockade.
- These effects occur more frequently in patients with present or past history of renal impairment, treatment with other ototoxic or nephrotoxic drugs, and in patients treated for longer periods and/or with higher doses than recommended.
- Neurotoxicity can manifest as auditory (high frequency deafness, hearing loss) or vestibular (loss of balance) dysfunction.
- Acute muscular paralysis and apnea can occur due to neuromuscular blockade.
- Nephrotoxicity can involve elevation of serum creatinine, albuminuria, presence of red and white cells, casts, azotemia, and oliguria; renal function changes are usually reversible when the drug is discontinued.
Serious Warnings
- Black Box Warning: WARNING: Patients treated with parenteral aminoglycosides should be under close clinical observation because of the potential ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity associated with their use. Safety for treatment periods which are longer than 14 days has not been established. Neurotoxicity, manifested as vestibular and permanent bilateral auditory ototoxicity, can occur in patients with preexisting renal damage and in patients with normal renal function treated at higher doses and/or for periods longer than recommended.
- This medication is contraindicated in pregnant and nursing females.
- Patients should be cautious if they have renal impairment, hearing damage, or parkinsonism.
- Elderly patients require caution.
- Adequate hydration must be ensured.
- Patients treated with parenteral aminoglycosides should be under close clinical observation due to potential ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity.
- Safety for treatment periods longer than 14 days has not been established.
- Neurotoxicity, including permanent bilateral auditory ototoxicity and vestibular toxicity, can occur in patients with preexisting renal damage and in those with normal renal function treated at higher doses and/or for prolonged periods.
- Risk factors for these toxicities include pre-existing renal impairment, concurrent use of other ototoxic or nephrotoxic drugs, and prolonged treatment or higher-than-recommended doses.
How it Works (Mechanism of Action)
Amikacin, an aminoglycoside, binds to the prokaryotic ribosome, inhibiting protein synthesis in susceptible bacteria. It is bactericidal in vitro against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Commercial Brands (Alternatives)
No other brands found for this formula.