Sometimes we need stronger treatments than regular pills to control serious bacterial infections. If your doctor has prescribed you an injection called Amikacin, it means you may have a serious bacterial infection. Don't be scared when you hear this name. Amikacin is a very important, powerful antibiotic used to treat such infections. So today, let's talk about this medicine, how it works, what we need to be careful about, and the possible side effects.
What exactly is Amikacin?
Simply put, Amikacin is a very powerful antibiotic that belongs to the aminoglycoside class. Its main function is to destroy some of the most dangerous bacteria that can enter our bodies and cause disease. This medicine is given directly into a vein (intravenous) or into a muscle (intramuscular). Then, the medicine quickly enters the bloodstream and goes to the site of the infection and starts working.
One very important thing to remember: This medicine only works for bacterial infections. It will not cure viral infections like colds and the flu. So never even think about using this medicine without a doctor's prescription.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
For your safety and the success of your treatment, it is essential that you tell your doctor your complete medical history before using Amikacin. Especially if you have any of these conditions.
- Dehydration: If you feel dehydrated due to recent vomiting or diarrhea.
- Hearing problems: If you have a hearing impairment or a problem such as constant ringing in your ears.
- Kidney disease: If you have a pre-existing kidney condition.
- Neurological diseases: If you have neurological diseases such as myasthenia gravis or Parkinson's disease.
- Allergies: If you have previously had an allergy to Amikacin, other antibiotics (especially gentamicin, tobramycin), sulfites, foods, artificial colors, or preservatives.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should tell your doctor before using this medicine.
How to use the medicine and what to be careful about
This medicine is usually given to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic. However, in some cases, if you need to continue treatment at home, you will be taught how to give yourself this medicine. If this happens, remember these things:
- Use it correctly: Use the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, as prescribed by your doctor. Never reduce, increase, or skip doses.
- If you miss a dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
- Disposing of needles and syringes: Never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. They can be a danger to others. They should be placed in a special, thick plastic container (sharps container) that is provided. If you don't have one, ask your doctor about how to get one.
- Overdose: If you think you have accidentally overdosed, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
If you give this medicine to children...
If you are giving this medicine to children, special care is required. Therefore, be sure to talk to a pediatrician and follow his or her instructions.
Other drugs that may interact with Amikacin
Other medications you are taking may interact with this medicine and cause unwanted effects. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.
| Drug type | Things to consider |
|---|---|
| Cidofovir | Amikacin should never be taken with this medication. |
| Other drugs that can affect the kidneys | Amphotericin B, Cisplatin, Colistin, Bacitracin, and other antibiotics. |
| Diuretics - drugs that increase urination | Examples: Furosemide, Ethacrynic acid. These may increase the side effects of Amikacin (especially on the ears and kidneys). |
| Birth control pills | Because Amikacin can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills, discuss using another birth control method with your doctor. |
This list is not exhaustive. Tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements you are taking. Also, be honest about whether you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs.
Possible side effects when taking the medicine
Like all medications, Amikacin can cause some side effects. While most of these are minor, there are some things we should be especially aware of.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reaction | Skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. This is an emergency. |
| Effect on the ears | Hearing loss, ringing in the ears. Tell your doctor immediately. |
| Effect on the kidneys | Decreased urine output, swelling in the legs or ankles. Tell your doctor immediately. |
| Effect on the nervous system | Dizziness, loss of balance, numbness in the limbs, muscle tremors or weakness. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | A general headache may occur. |
| Nausea and vomiting | May occur after eating. |
| Pain at the injection site | There may be pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site. |
Take-Home Message
- Amikacin is a powerful antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections . It does not work against viral infections like the common cold.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions (especially kidney and hearing problems) and allergies.
- Take the prescribed dose exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the prescribed time. Never skip or double doses.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as hearing loss, decreased urination, or loss of balance, inform your doctor immediately.
- It is very important to tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- If you suspect an overdose, immediately go to the National Poisons Information Center or the nearest hospital ETU .
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