Amikacin injection

What is amikacin injection?

AMIKACIN (Amikin®) is an aminoglycoside antibiotic. It treats certain serious bacterial infections. Amikacin is not suitable for all types of infection and is not for minor infections. Generic amikacin injections are available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive amikacin?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• dehydration

• difficulty hearing

• infant botulism

• kidney disease

• myasthenia gravis

• Parkinson's disease

• other chronic illness

• an unusual or allergic reaction to amikacin or other antibiotics, sulfites, foods, dyes or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Amikacin is for injection into a muscle, or infusion into a vein. Use your doses at regular intervals. Finish the full course of medicine prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you feel better. Do not stop using except on your prescriber's advice.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with amikacin?

• acyclovir

• cisplatin

• dimenhydrinate

• indomethacin

• other antibioitics

• pamidronate

• water pills

• zoledronic acid

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking amikacin?

You may get dizzy or have trouble keeping your balance. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness. until you know how amikacin affects you.

Be aware that for some weeks after you finish a course of amikacin you can still get side effects that may need your prescriber's attention.

What side effects may I notice from receiving amikacin?

Elderly patients are more likely to get serious side effects. Serious side effects with amikacin include:

• difficulty hearing

• dizziness

• increased thirst

• loss of balance

• muscle weakness

• nausea

• pain or difficulty passing urine

• ringing in the ears

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• pain, swelling, and irritation at the injection site (especially after intramuscular injection)

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F) for up to two years. Do not use if the solution is discolored or particulate matter is present. Throw away unused diluted infusion solutions after 24 hours.