Amikacin Sulfate
Trade name:
amikin
Class:
Antibiotic "Amino glycosides"
Pregnancy: (Category C)
Action: inhibit protein synthesis by binding
irreversibly to ribosome which leads to production of nonfunctional protein.
They are usually bactericidal as a result of disruption of bacterial
cytoplasmic membrane.
Uses:
• Bone and joint infections.
• Respiratory tract infections.
• Septicemia (including neonatal sepsis).
• Urinary tract infection (UIT).
• Post operative infections.
• Intra –abdominal infections (as peritonitis) .
• Skin infections (including burns)
Dose : by intramuscular or by slow intravenous
injection or by infusion, 15 mg/kg
daily in 2 divided doses, increased to 22.5 mg/kg daily in 3 divided doses in severe infections; max.
1.5 g daily for up to 10 days (max. cumulative dose 15 g); child 15 mg/kg daily in
2 divided doses; neonate loading dose of 10
mg/kg then 15 mg/kg daily in 2 divided doses. Contraindications:
• Hypersensitivity to amino glycosides.
• Long –term therapy.
• For patients with impaired renal function or pre-existing
hearing impairment.
Side effects:
• Ototoxicity: tinnitus, hearing impairment, ataxia &
dizziness.
• Renal impairment (Nephrotoxicity) hematuria, proteinuria… Neurotoxicity: headache,
tremor, lethargy, numbness, burning of face.
• Others: nausea, vomiting, skin rash & super infection.
Nursing
considerations:
• I.M. admin. Inject deep
into muscle to minimize pain.
• Admin. For only 7-10 days.
• Assess history of hypersensitivity.
• Obtain lab. Studies for renal function.
• Continue to monitor for ototoxicity.
Discuss with the client / family the importance of taking medications at
the appropriate prescribed time intervals.
