Kanamycin produces no significant side reactions in the treatment of acute infections. Rarely, loose feces, local pain, headache, numbness and urinary casts are encountered, which are all mild, seldom necessitating cessation of medication. These reactions disappear by suspending the administration.
Rarely, ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity, deafness, vitamins K and B deficiency may occur. Infrequently, gastrointestinal disorders occur.