| name | Amikacin |
| classification | Aminoglycoside antibiotic |
| pharmacokinetics | | absorption | Poorly absorbed orally, administered intravenously or intramuscularly | | distribution | Distributed throughout body tissues and fluids, including the lungs and kidneys. Penetration into cerebrospinal fluid is limited. | | metabolism | Minimal metabolism in the body. | | excretion | Primarily excreted by the kidneys; dosage adjustments are critical in patients with renal impairment. Excretion half-life can be prolonged in patients with decreased renal function. |
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| suggested dosage | | adult | Dosage varies based on severity and nature of infection and renal function. Consult a physician or pharmacist for specific recommendations. Typical intravenous dosage ranges from 7.5 mg/kg every 8-12 hours to 15 mg/kg every 24 hours. | | patient specific | The 70 kg male patient's dosage will require individualized calculations by a healthcare professional, taking into account renal function and other medical conditions. |
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| indications | Used to treat serious infections caused by susceptible gram-negative bacteria, including pneumonia, sepsis, endocarditis, and urinary tract infections. Susceptibility testing is essential. |
| safety in pregnancy | | category | C | | description | Amikacin can cross the placenta, and there's a theoretical risk to the fetus. Benefits and risks should be weighed carefully in pregnant women by a medical professional. Careful monitoring is important. | | precautions | Use during pregnancy only if absolutely necessary, and with careful monitoring. |
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| safety in breastfeeding | | description | Amikacin is excreted in breast milk. However, the levels in breast milk are generally considered low, and the risk to the infant is thought to be minimal, but this should be discussed with a doctor. | | precautions | Caution is advised during breastfeeding, and the benefit of breastfeeding should be weighed against the potential risk to the infant. |
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| side effects | | 1 | Ototoxicity (hearing loss): Potentially serious and dose-dependent. Monitor audiometry regularly. | | 2 | Nephrotoxicity (kidney damage): Monitor renal function. | | 3 | Neuromuscular blockade | | 4 | Nausea, vomiting | | 5 | Diarrhea | | 6 | Hypersensitivity reactions |
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| alternatives | |
| contraindications | Hypersensitivity to aminoglycosides; significant kidney impairment. |
| interactions | | 1 | Other nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., aminoglycosides, NSAIDs) | | 2 | Drugs that affect renal function | | 3 | Drugs that impair neuromuscular transmission | | 4 | Other medications; careful monitoring is important |
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| warnings and precautions | | 1 | Administer slowly to reduce the risk of adverse effects | | 2 | Monitor blood creatinine and other renal function tests regularly | | 3 | Monitor for signs of ototoxicity (hearing loss) | | 4 | Avoid concurrent use with nephrotoxic medications | | 5 | Adjust dose for patients with reduced kidney function. Consult a nephrologist, or other specialist if appropriate. |
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| additional informations | Amikacin is a potent antibiotic; proper use is critical. Dose adjustments in patients with impaired renal function are essential to minimize the risk of complications. Close monitoring by a medical professional is critical. In summary: Always consult a physician or pharmacist for appropriate dosing and usage instructions for any medication. |
