Your doctor may have told you to take your medicine through a nebulizer, right? This method is used especially in cases of lung infections. In this, a liquid medicine is turned into a fine mist (aerosol) by a small machine, which is sent directly to the lungs through inhalation. Today we are going to talk about Amikacin, a special antibiotic that is given through such a nebulizer.
What kind of medicine is Amikacin?
Simply put, Amikacin is a drug that is used to treat bacterial infections. However, it is usually used in more severe cases where other antibiotics have not been able to control the infection. It works by killing the bacteria that are causing the infection.
The most important thing is that this only works on bacteria. This medicine will not be of any use for illnesses caused by viruses like colds and flu. Therefore, it should only be used if prescribed by a doctor, and as directed.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Since Amikacin is a fairly strong medication, it is important that your doctor is fully aware of your health status. If you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor before starting this medication.
| Health condition or opportunity | Description |
|---|---|
| Hearing problems | If you or someone in your family has hearing loss, or if a doctor has told you that you are at increased risk of developing such problems. |
| Kidney disease | If you have any type of kidney disease. |
| Respiratory diseases | Lung conditions such as asthma or COPD. |
| Other medical conditions | Conditions that weaken muscles, such as myasthenia gravis or Parkinson's disease. |
| Allergies | If you have had an allergic reaction to Amikacin or any other medicine, food, or dye. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How should I use the medicine?
This medicine is used by inhaling it through a nebulizer. The medicine package you are given may have an instruction leaflet on how to use it. It is very important to read and understand it carefully. Also, you should take the medicine exactly as your doctor has prescribed, for the full duration of time. Even if you feel a little better, do not stop taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to. Doing so may cause the infection to come back.
If you have any questions about how to use this, talk to your doctor or healthcare team for more information.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
What do you do if you miss a dose?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
Other medicines that should not be used with Amikacin
Some medications can interact with Amikacin, so it's important to tell your doctor about all other medications you're taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
- Do not take this medicine with: Cidofovir
- Other medications to use with caution:
- Aspirin and similar medications
- Cisplatin, an anti-cancer drug
- Cyclosporine
- Diuretics
- Estrogen or progestin hormones
- Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - for example ibuprofen or naproxen
- Medicines for other infections (e.g. acyclovir, gentamicin, vancomycin)
- Pamidronate
- Zoledronic acid
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about everything you take.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Visiting the doctor: After starting the medication, be sure to go to the doctor's appointments to check the progress of your condition. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, tell your doctor .
- Diarrhea: Diarrhea may occur while taking this medicine. If diarrhea lasts for more than two days, or if it is very severe and watery, do not self-treat with over-the-counter medications. Call your doctor immediately.
- Hearing: This is very important. This medicine can sometimes affect your hearing. So your doctor may check your hearing before you start taking the medicine and while you are taking it. If you notice any changes in your hearing, such as ringing in your ears, tell your doctor right away.
- Vitamins: It is important to get enough vitamins B6 and B12 while taking this medication. Talk to your doctor about the foods and vitamins you should be taking.
- Driving and operating machinery: This medicine may cause dizziness and decreased alertness. Therefore, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce dizziness, stand up straight when getting up from a sitting position or from bed.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Amikacin can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing, dry cough, chest tightness (wheezing), and coughing up blood. |
| Hearing problems | Hearing loss, ringing in the ears. |
| Effects on the kidneys | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Cough and throat disorders | Cough, voice change or hoarseness, sore throat. |
| Other | Diarrhea, headache, nausea. |
How to store medicine properly?
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Storage: It is best to store this medicine in the refrigerator. Store at a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius. But do not store it in the freezer.
- Room temperature: If necessary, you can store it at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius) for up to 4 weeks. However, if you do, you should discard any remaining medicine after 4 weeks or after the expiration date (whichever comes first).
- Expired medications: You should safely dispose of medications that are expired or no longer needed. Ask your doctor about programs available for this.
Take-Home Message
- Amikacin is a powerful antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It is only used on the prescription of a doctor.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all other illnesses you have, all medications you take, and any allergies you have.
- If you experience any changes in hearing, ringing in the ears, difficulty breathing, or severe allergic symptoms, notify your doctor immediately.
- Even if you feel better, take the medicine for the full duration prescribed by the doctor. Do not stop halfway.
- If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, always talk to your doctor before making decisions on your own.
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