Amikin

How does it work?

Amikin injection contains the active ingredient amikacin sulphate, which is a member of the aminoglycoside family of antibiotics. These antibiotics have the ability to kill a wide variety of bacteria.

Amikacin works by binding to components in the bacterial cell which result in the production of abnormal proteins. These proteins are necessary for the bacteria's survival. The production of these abnormal proteins is ultimately fatal to the bacteria.

Amikacin is not absorbed from the gut and is therefore only given by injection. It is only used in the treatment of serious infections and those which are resistant to gentimicin.

To make sure the bacteria causing an infection are susceptible to amikacin your doctor may take a tissue sample, for example a swab from the throat or skin, or a urine or blood sample.

What is it used for?

Short-term treatment of serious bacterial infections

Warning!

Your kidney function and hearing should be monitored regularly during treatment with this medicine.

People being treated with this medicine must not be allowed to become dehydrated.

Use with caution in

Elderly people

Decreased kidney function

History of allergy to aminoglycoside antibiotics

People with hearing or kidney damage as a result of treatment with other antibiotics of this type

Muscular disorders such as Parkinson's disease

Not to be used in

Abnormal muscle weakness

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used in pregnancy as it may be harmful to the hearing of the developing baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

There is no information available regarding the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Rash

Nausea and vomiting

Headache

Pins and needles

Damage to the kidneys

Damage to hearing

Damage to vestibular function within the ear. Symptoms include giddiness or dizziness, vertigo, unsteadiness or loss of balance.

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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