Drawing

Generic Name
Brand Name
Classification
Action
Dosage

Indication

Amikacin Sulfate
Amikin
Aminoglycoside, pregnancy risk category D, bactericidal
Appears to inhibit protein synthesis in bacterial cell by binding directly to the 30S ribosomal subunit.
IM or IV: 50 mg/ml, 250 mg/ml
Serious infections caused by sensitive strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli.
Uncomplicated UTI caused by organisms susceptible to less toxic drugs.

Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection.

Contraindication Hypersensitive to the drug
Impaired renal function
Neuromuscular disorders
Eighth cranial (auditory) nerve impairment

 Preexisting vertigo or dizziness

Tinnitus
Dehydration
Fever
Myasthenia gravis
Parkinsonism

Side Effects

Hypocalcemia
Neurotoxicity
Ototoxicity
Neuromuscular blockade
Nephrotoxicity
Skin rash
Fever
Headache
Paresthesia
Tremor
Nausea
Vomiting

 Eosinophilia
Arthralgia
Anemia
Hypotension
Neuromuscular blockade
Ototoxicity
Azotemia
Adverse Effects

Nephrotoxicity
Possible increase in urinary excretion of casts
Arthralgia
Apnea
Acyclovir, amphotericin B, cephalosporin, other aminoglycoside may increase nephrotoxicity.
Atracurium may increase effects of non-depolarizing muscle relaxants, including prolonged respiratory
depression.

Drug Interaction Dimenhydrinate may mask ototoxicity symptoms.

Indomethacin may increase trough and peak amikacin levels.
IV loop diuretics may increase ototoxicity.
Parenteral penicillin may inactivate amikacin in vitro.
Nursing Intervention 1. Monitor renal function: urine output, specific gravity, and urinalysis.

2. Watch for signs and symptoms of superinfection.

3. Dont confuse Amikacin with Amicar and Anakinra.
4. Instruct patient to promptly report adverse reactions to prescriber.
5. Encourage patient to maintain adequate fluid intake.
6. Monitor for and report auditory symptoms (tinnitus, roaring noises, sensation of fullness in ears,
hearing loss) and vestibular disturbances (dizziness or vertigo, nystagmus, ataxia).
7. Monitor & report any changes in input and output, oliguria, hematuria, or cloudy urine. Keeping patient
well hydrated reduces risk of nephrotoxicity; consult physician regarding optimum fluid intake.
8. Report immediately any changes in hearing or unexplained ringing/roaring noises or dizziness, and
problems with balance or coordination.
9. Do not breast feed while taking this drug without consulting physician.
10. Observe site for extravasation during administration.