Amikacin injection

What is this medicine?

AMIKACIN (am i KAY sin) is an aminoglycoside antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is infused into a vein or injected into a muscle. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• difficulty breathing

• hearing loss, ringing in the ears

• dizziness, loss of balance

• fever

• less urine

• low blood pressure

• numbness, tingling

• tremor

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• headache

• joint pains

• nausea, vomiting

• pain, irritation at site of injection

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• cidofovir

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• amphotericin B

• bacitracin

• birth control pills

• cisplatin

• colistin

• diuretics like ethacrynic acid or furosemide

• other antibiotics

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

If you are using this medicine at home, you will be instructed on how to store this medicine. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label. Do not use if the solution is cloudy or contains any solids.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• dehydrated

• hearing problems

• kidney disease

• myasthenia gravis

• Parkinson's disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to amikacin or other antibiotics, sulfites, foods, dyes or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve. You may need to have your blood checked while you are taking this medicine. Report any side effects to your doctor or healthcare professional. Be aware that side effects may occur in the weeks after you finish taking this medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.