Written by Regina Victoria Boyles, MD · Pediatrics
Amikacide® (amikacin) is part of a class of antibiotics known as aminoglycosides. Aminoglycosides work by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit in bacteria, disrupting essential protein transcription and synthesis which eventually leads to cell death.
Amikacide® is mainly indicated for:
The antimicrobial spectrum of activity of Amikacide® includes:
Gram-positive bacteria
Aerobic Gram-negative
Amikacide® is available as a parenteral solution for injection. It should be administered by a licensed health professional.
This drug should be stored at room temperature (<30°C). For safety, keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Always check the label before using this product. Do not use if the printed expiration date has passed, the product seal has been broken, or the product has changed in color, odor, or consistency.
Do not dispose of this product by pouring it down the drain, toilet, or into the environment. Ask your pharmacist regarding the proper way and location of disposal.
Before using this medication, inform your doctor if:
This drug is a pregnancy category D drug. Aminoglycosides have the potential to cause fetal harm. This drug should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit greatly outweighs the potential risk to the fetus, as determined by your doctor.
It is not known if Amikacide® is excreted in breast milk. This drug should be used while breastfeeding only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the child, as determined by your doctor.
All drugs have the potential to elicit side effects even with normal use. Many side effects are dose-related and will resolve when it is adjusted or at the end of therapy.
Potential side effects while using Amikacide® include:
Rare adverse reactions:
You may experience some, none, or other side effects not mentioned above. If you experience serious adverse reactions, you must stop taking the drug immediately. If you have any concerns about a side effect or it becomes bothersome, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Amikacide® may interact with other medications. To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.
Known drugs that interact with Amikacide® include:
If you experience an adverse drug interaction, stop taking this drug and continue taking your other medication. Inform your doctor immediately to reevaluate your treatment plan. Your dose may need to be adjusted, substituted with another drug, or discontinue using the drug.
There are not notable food or alcohol interactions with Amikacide®.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns regarding food-drug interactions.
Amikacide® should be taken with caution if you have any of the following conditions or risk factors:
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns regarding specific health conditions.
The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. You should ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before using Amikacide®.
Obtain the patient’s pretreatment body weight for calculation of correct dosage. Amikacin may be given intravenously (IV) or intramuscularly (IM). Because of the potential toxicity of aminoglycosides, fixed-dosage recommendations that are not based on body weight are not advised.
For patients with normal renal function
For patients with renal impairment
Dose adjustment based on creatinine clearance (CrCl):
The usual duration of treatment is 7-10 days. In difficult and complicated infections where treatment beyond 10 days is considered, the use of amikacin should be re-evaluated.
If a definite clinical response does not occur within 3 to 5 days, stop the therapy and recheck the antibiotic susceptibility pattern.
For children and older infants (>2 months old)
For neonates (<2 months old)
The usual duration of treatment is 7-10 days. In difficult and complicated infections where treatment beyond 10 days is considered, the use of amikacin should be re-evaluated.
If a definite clinical response does not occur within 3 to 5 days, stop the therapy and recheck the antibiotic susceptibility pattern.
How is Amikacide® available?
This drug is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:
What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?
In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to your nearest emergency room.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of this drug, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose. Avoid missing doses to prevent antibiotic resistance and treatment failure.
Disclaimer
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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