Amikacin

(am i KAY sin)

Dosage Forms

• This medicine is available as an injection.

Pharmacologic Category

• Antibiotic, Aminoglycoside

What key warnings should I know about before giving this medicine to my child?

• This medicine may cause worsening kidney function and hearing loss, and it may change your child's sense of balance. Talk with healthcare provider.
• This medicine does not mix well with some medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with child's healthcare provider.

Is it safe for my child to take this medicine?

• Not if your child has an allergy to amikacin or any other part of this medicine.
• Be sure to let healthcare provider know if your child has any allergies or reactions to medicine, food preservatives, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected your child. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

Why does my child need this medicine?

• This medicine is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.

How does this medicine work?

• Amikacin works to injure the bacteria and fight the infection.

How is this medicine given?

• This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or vein.

How long does this medicine take to work?

• Your child may start feeling better several days after starting this medicine.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Call healthcare provider for instructions.

What safety measures should I take while my child is using this medicine?

• Check your child's medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
• If your child has hearing loss, talk with healthcare provider.
• If your child has kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Change in hearing can rarely occur.
• Worsening kidney function.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• For the occurrence of side effects.

When should I call my child's healthcare provider?

• If any of this information causes you to be concerned, any of the common side effects occur, or if your child's symptoms do not improve after taking this medicine.
• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.
• If your child shows signs of a life-threatening reaction, call healthcare provider or emergency department immediately. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child exhibits any other unusual behavior.
• If your child has significant change in balance.
• If your child is feeling extremely nervous and excitable.
• If your child is feeling extremely tired or weak.
• If your child has severe nausea or vomiting.
• If your child has severe diarrhea, even after medicine is stopped.
• If your child has a change in hearing.
• If your child develops a rash.
• No improvement in condition or if you believe your child's condition is worse.

How should I store and/or dispose of this medicine?

• Store as directed by healthcare provider.

General statements

• If your child has a life-threatening allergy, he/she should wear an allergy identification bracelet at all times.
• This medicine is available by prescription only. If there are refills, contact your pharmacy. If no refills remain, you may need to contact your child's healthcare provider.
• This medicine should be thrown out when your child no longer needs it or if the medicine becomes outdated.
• Do not share your child's medicine with others and do not give anyone else's medicine to your child.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Many medications interact with other medications. Keep a list of all your child's medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to your child's healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• You may report side effects to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with your child's healthcare provider before giving him/her any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
• Medicine can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Follow directions given by healthcare provider.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.

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