Amikacin is used for the short-term treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible Gram-negative bacteria. It is effective in treating bacterial septicemia, including neonatal sepsis, as well as severe infections of the respiratory tract, bones and joints, central nervous system including meningitis, and skin and soft tissues. It is also indicated for intra-abdominal infections such as peritonitis, along with burns and postoperative infections, including post-vascular surgery infections. Clinical studies have also shown amikacin to be effective in serious, complicated, and recurrent urinary tract infections caused by these organisms.

Amikacin has been effective against infections caused by Gram-negative organisms that are resistant to gentamicin and/or tobramycin, especially Proteus rettgeri, Providencia stuartii, Serratia marcescens, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Amikacin has also shown effectiveness against staphylococcal infections and may be considered as an initial treatment option in certain situations where staphylococcal disease is known or suspected, particularly in severe infections where the causative organism may be either a Gram-negative bacterium or a staphylococcus.

Amikacin sulfate is a semi-synthetic aminoglycoside antibiotic. In laboratory studies, amikacin has shown activity against a wide range of bacteria, including Pseudomonas species, Escherichia coli, Proteus species, Providencia species, Klebsiella-Enterobacter species, Acinetobacter species, and Citrobacter freundii. Many strains of these organisms that are resistant to other aminoglycosides, such as gentamicin, tobramycin, and kanamycin, may still remain susceptible to amikacin. Amikacin sulfate has also demonstrated in vitro activity against both penicillinase-producing and non-penicillinase-producing Staphylococcus species, including methicillin-resistant strains.

Adults and children: 15 mg/kg/day in two equally-divided doses (equivalent to 500 mg bid in adults). Use of the 100 mg is recommended for children for the accurate measurement of the appropriate dose.

Neonates and premature children: An initial loading dose of 10 mg/kg followed by 15 mg/kg/day in two equally divided doses.

Elderly: Amikacin is excreted by the renal route. Renal function should be assessed whenever possible and dosage adjusted as described under impaired renal function.

Life-threatening infections and/or those caused by Pseudomonas: The adult dose may be increased to 500 mg every eight hours but should neither exceed 1.5g/day nor be administered for a period longer than 10 days. A maximum total adult dose of 15g should not be exceedবাং ed.লায় দেখুন

Urinary tract infections (other than pseudomonal infections): 7.5mg/kg/day in two equally divided doses (equivalent to 250 mg b.i.d. in adults).

Impaired renal function: In patients with impaired renal function, the daily dose should be reduced and/or the intervals between doses increased to avoid accumulation of the drug 

Intramuscular or intravenous administration: For most infections the intramuscular route is preferred, but in life threatening infections, or in patients in whom intramuscular injection route is not feasible the intravenous route may be used.

Intraperitoneal use: Amikacin may be used as an irrigant after recovery from anesthesia in concentration of 0.25%.

Concurrent use of amikacin with muscle relaxants may enhance their effects and can increase the risk of respiratory depression or even توقف breathing. The combined use of amikacin with other aminoglycoside antibiotics should be avoided, as this may increase the risk of ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Using amikacin together with fast-acting diuretics may further raise the risk of ototoxicity, especially in patients with renal impairment. In addition, concurrent use with cephalosporins or polymyxins may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity.

Amikacin Injection is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to amikacin or to any component of the formulation.

Reported adverse effects of amikacin include tinnitus, vertigo, partial hearing loss that may be reversible or irreversible, skin rash, drug-induced fever, headache, paraesthesia, nausea, and vomiting.

Amikacin crosses the placenta rapidly and reaches the fetal circulation and amniotic fluid. Because of this, there is a potential risk of ototoxicity in the fetus. There is not enough information available on the safety of amikacin during breastfeeding.

Since amikacin is excreted in high concentrations through the kidneys, patients should remain well hydrated to help reduce chemical irritation of the renal tubules. If azotemia increases, treatment should be discontinued. Monitoring of renal function during aminoglycoside therapy is especially important.

Pediatric use: The safety and effectiveness of amikacin injection in children and adolescents under 16 years of age have not been established.

In cases of overdose or toxic reactions, peritoneal dialysis or haemodialysis may help remove amikacin from the bloodstream.

Aminoglycoside antibiotic.

Store below 30°C, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.