Amikacin sulfate

Amikacin sulfate is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used primarily in the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible strains of Gram-negative bacteria. It is also used in the treatment of certain Gram-positive bacteria infections and other conditions as determined by a healthcare provider.

Pharmacology

Amikacin sulfate works by binding to the bacterial 30S ribosomal subunit, causing misreading of mRNA and inhibiting protein synthesis. This results in bacterial cell death. The drug is bactericidal at peak concentrations and bacteriostatic at lower concentrations.

Clinical Use

Amikacin sulfate is used in the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible strains of Gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, species of Proteus, Klebsiella, Serratia, and Acinetobacter. It is also used in the treatment of certain Gram-positive bacteria infections, including certain strains of Staphylococcus, but is not the drug of choice for these infections.

Side Effects

Common side effects of amikacin sulfate include nausea, vomiting, and rash. Serious side effects can include ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and neuromuscular blockade.

Dosage

The dosage of amikacin sulfate is determined by the severity of the infection, the susceptibility of the causative organism, and the patient's renal function. It is typically administered intravenously or intramuscularly.

Precautions

Amikacin sulfate should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing renal impairment, as the drug is primarily excreted by the kidneys. It should also be used with caution in patients with pre-existing hearing loss, as the drug can cause ototoxicity.

Interactions

Amikacin sulfate can interact with other medications, including other aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, vancomycin, furosemide, and amphotericin B. These interactions can increase the risk of ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity.

See Also

• Aminoglycoside antibiotics
• Gram-negative bacteria
• Gram-positive bacteria
• 30S ribosomal subunit
• mRNA
• Protein synthesis
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Escherichia coli
• Proteus
• Klebsiella
• Serratia
• Acinetobacter
• Staphylococcus
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Rash
• Ototoxicity
• Nephrotoxicity
• Neuromuscular blockade
• Cephalosporins
• Vancomycin
• Furosemide
• Amphotericin B