Amikin (Amikacin) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 24, 2012

Amikin

Impetigo »

What is impetigo? What causes impetigo?

Impetigo (pronounced im-puh-TIE-go) is a contagious, superficial infection of the skin caused by staphylococcus (Staph) and streptococcus (Strep) bacteria. Impetigo is more common in children (especially 2- to 5-year-olds) than in adults. Impetigo is most likely to occur in warm and humid environments and is most commonly spread by close contact (such as family members).

What are the types of impetigo, and what are impetigo symptoms and signs? What does impetigo look like?

There are two kinds of impetigo:

Non-bullous impetigo: This is the common form, caused by both Staph and Strep bacteria. This form initially presents as small red papules similar to insect bites. These lesions rapidly evolve to small blisters and then to pustules that finally scab over with a characteristic honey-colored crust. This entire process takes about one week. These lesions often st...

Read the Impetigo article »

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Amikin

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Please Note: This Brand Name drug is no longer available in the US.
(Generic versions may still be available.)

Amikin Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using amikacin (Amikin)?

Do not use amikacin without first talking to your doctor if you have

sulfite sensitivity;
kidney disease;
hearing loss or loss of balance due to ear problems;
Parkinson's disease; or
a neuromuscular disorder such as myasthenia gravis.

You may not be able to use amikacin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Do not use amikacin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

Do not use amikacin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take amikacin (Amikin)?

If you are injecting amikacin at home, your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions on how and where to inject the medication. If you do not understand these directions, do not attempt to inject the medication. Contact your healthcare provider for further instructions.

Do not use any amikacin that is discolored, has particles in it, or looks different from your previous doses. Throw away any unused amikacin after the amount of time determined by your pharmacist or doctor.

Adequate hydration is important during treatment with amikacin. Fluids may be administered intravenously during treatment.

It is important that the medication be given on a regular schedule and for the entire amount of time prescribed by your doctor.

Amikacin may cause damage to the kidneys and/or nerves. Kidney function and drug levels in the blood may be monitored with blood tests during treatment. Tell your doctor if you experience hearing loss, dizziness, numbness, skin tingling, muscle twitching, or seizures which may be signs of nerve damage.

Dispose of used needles and syringes in a puncture resistant container out of the reach of children.

Your healthcare provider will store amikacin as directed by the manufacturer or give you detailed storage instructions if you are storing the medication at home.

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