Amikacin

Fact Checked

Medically reviewed by Kenny Cheuk Yin Cheung, Pharmacist

Last updated on 02/07/2021.

GENERIC NAME: Amikacin

CHINESE NAME: 阿米卡星、丁胺卡那

BRAND NAME(S) IN HONG KONG: Amikin 愛黴素

DRUG CLASS: Antibiotics

SUB CLASS: Aminoglycosides

USED FOR: Severe Gram-negative infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs)

AVAILABLE DOSAGE FORMS:
– 250 mg/ml, 250 mg/2ml, 500 mg/2ml, 1000 mg/4ml (injections/infusions)

What is Amikacin for?

Amikacin belongs to a class of medications called aminoglycoside antibiotics. It works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and is used to treat serious bacterial infections.

How to use it?

Amikacin is injected through a needle into a vein or muscle as directed by your doctor. It is usually given every 8 hours. The dosage is based on your medical conditions. Laboratory tests, such as kidney function tests and blood tests, may be performed to help the doctor determine the right dose for your condition.

Severe Gram-negative infections
Adult
15 mg per kg body weight as a single or in two divided doses by intramuscular injection, intravenous injection or intravenous infusion. Maximum dosage is 1.5 g per day. The usual treatment duration is 7-10 days.
Child 4 weeks – 12 years
15-20 mg per kg body weight as a single or in two divided doses by intramuscular injection, intravenous injection or intravenous infusion.
Neonates 0-4 weeks
Initial loading dose of 10 mg per kg body weight followed by 7.5 mg/kg body weight every 12 hours.

Urinary tract infections
Adult
7.5 mg per kg body weight in two divided doses by intramuscular injection, intravenous injection or intravenous infusion.

What are the side effects of Amikacin?

Common side effects of Amikacin include nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, skin rash or injection site reactions.

Who should not take Amikacin?

– People allergic to Amikacin or any component of the formulation.
– People who are allergic to aminoglycosides.
– Patients with myasthenia gravis.

Pharmacist Tips:

– Patients should remain well hydrated during Amikacin therapy.

Common dosing schedule:
Your doctor will advise you on the frequency of application depending on your infection.

Some common medications Amikacin may interact with:
– Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, e.g. Ibuprofen, Ketorolac, Mefenamic Acid
– Cephalosporins, e.g. Cephaloridine, Cefazolin, Cefuroxime

Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.

Where to buy Amikacin in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, Amikacin is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.

For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk

Need more information?

For detailed information about the use of Amikacin in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.