Amikacin belongs to the aminoglycoside family . It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic very similar to that of gentamicin and tobramycin.
This drug interferes with the protein synthesis process: the formation and accumulation of aberrant peptides – in addition to compromising the biochemical and metabolic properties of the bacterium – damages the plasma membrane, causing the loss of potassium which is inevitably accompanied by cell disruption .
What is Amikacina used for?
Amikacin belongs to the group of aminoglycosides, antibiotics used to treat infections caused by microorganisms generally resistant to beta lactam therapy. It is particularly active on Gram-negative bacteria such as Serratia, Proteus, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter, Escherichia coli which are resistant to gentamicin and other aminoglycosides. It is prescribed to treat serious infections supported by Gram-negative bacilli (in particular enterobacteria) and in infections supported by strains of gentamicin and tobramycin resistant bacteria .
How is Amikacina taken?
The drug is administered parenterally.
Side effects of Amikacina
Among the less serious and transient side effects are:
- hematological disorders: anemia, eosinophilia;
- gastrointestinal complaints: nausea , vomiting;
- cardiovascular disorders: hypotension.
Among the most serious side effects we find instead:
- kidney disorders: albuminuria, hematuria, cylindruria, hyperazotemia, hypercreatininemia;
- auditory-vestibular disorders: tinnitus, dizziness, deafness;
Contraindications and warnings of Amikacina
Given the lack of clinical trials capable of characterizing the therapeutic efficacy and the safety profile for the fetus, the use of Amikacin during pregnancy is generally contraindicated.
