Amikin Description

Amikin or generic Amikacin Sulfate is prescribed to treat suspected bacterial infections that include pneumonia, meningitis, blood/bone/skin infections, and bacterial infections of your urinary tract. This is an injectible aminoglycoside drug that may be administered in a hospital or at home, depending on the severity of your bacterial infection. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Your doctor or other healthcare professional will instruct you on the proper way to administer Amikin, either intravenously (IV) or intramuscularly (IM). You may leave the hospital with an IV set already in place for easy access for you to administer the injection safely, but intramuscularly may be less intimidating for some.

Amikin Works 2 Ways to Kill Bacteria

Once injected into a vein or muscle, Amikin is believed to work in two ways. One way is by inhibiting the bacteria’s ability to make essential proteins in order to grow and the other is that it appears to interfere with the building of cell walls as it causes holes to form. Without the protection of cell walls, important substances can leak out and harmful material can seep in. This 1-2 punch kills the bacteria and puts an end to your infection. Your treatment time with Amikin is usually short as there are possible health concerns if used for a long time.

Conditions Treated by Amikin

Bacterial infections caused by Staphylococcus, Enterobacter, E. (Escherichia) coli, Acinetobacter, Klebsiella, and others can produce sufficient pain and illness to cause you to be hospitalized. In many cases a strong antibacterial drug such as Amikin will be administered while testing is done to determine if your infection is bacterial or not, and which bacteria you are infected with. An E. coli infection can be harmless or it can cause you to become anemic or go into kidney failure. A Staph infection could cause toxic shock syndrome which could be life threatening, or a boil that is painful but more annoying than anything.

Before Amikin is Administered

Ask your doctor whether it is safe to use Amikin if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding. Discuss other medical conditions and allergies you have with your doctor and provide a list of any over-the-counter and prescription drugs you currently take or use, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements so it can be determined if Amikin is the right medication for you.

Important Information About Amikin

If you are scheduled to undergo any dental or surgical procedures, tell the doctor or medical staff that you are undergoing treatment with Amikin. Keep all doctor and lab appointments so your progress and any side effects can be monitored. If you inject Amikin at home, ask your doctor or pharmacist how to properly and safely dispose of the needles or syringes. Seek medical help right away if you think you may be experiencing an allergic reaction or extreme side effects.

Possible Side Effects of Amikin

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Pain or swelling at the injection site
• Bruising at the injection site

Drugs Similar to Amikin

• Cipro
• Augmentin
• Levaquin