Amikacin is an antibiotic. It is used to treat serious bacterial infections such as infections of the inner lining of the heart, bone, lungs, and urinary tract.
This medicine may be used to treat other bacterial infections as decided by your doctor.
Amikacin injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein) using a syringe over a period of time or intramuscularly (into the muscle).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your infection.
You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Ensure that you keep all the appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Amikacin.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not use Amikacin if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or similar medicines such as gentamicin.
Alert your doctor if you have myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder) as Amikacin may not be suitable for you.
Do not use Amikacin with medicines used to treat other bacterial infection, cancer, and water retention. Please see the section "Can I use this with other medicines?" below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- hearing problems
- neuromuscular disease e.g. Parkinson's disease (disorder that affects the movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking)
- hypocalcaemia (low level of calcium in the blood)
- excessive water loss from the body
- kidney disease
It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with this medicine. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to an infant, child or the elderly. They may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Some genetic traits can affect an individual's response to Amikacin. Individuals who have the
m.1555A>G mutation may have an increased risk of hearing loss from this medicine. Although not routinely done, your doctor may advise you to take genetic testing to check if it is best suited for you.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. kidney function, blood amikacin level) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of body weight, ear function and sense of hearing may also be needed.
Amikacin may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ear, dizziness with sensations of spinning, and pain at the injection site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- numbness, tingling sensation of the skin, muscle twitching and seizure
- hearing loss
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not use Amikacin with the following medicines:
- other antibiotics e.g. amphotericin B, vancomycin, bacitracin
- ciclosporin (medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders)
- cisplatin (medicine for cancer)
- "water pills" e.g. furosemide, ethacrynic acid
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:
- penicillin (an antibiotic)
- platinum-containing medicines
- muscle relaxants used during surgery e.g. succinylcholine, vecuronium
- medicines to prevent loss of bone density known as bisphosphonates e.g. alendronic acid
- indometacin (medicine for pain and inflammation)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with this medicine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Sign Out
