Amikacin's pharmacological name is amikacin sulfate [1].
What kind of drug is amikacin?
Amikacin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections [2]. It works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, which is essential for bacterial growth and survival [3].
When might amikacin be prescribed?
This antibiotic is typically used for infections caused by specific bacteria that are resistant to other, more common antibiotics [2]. These can include infections of the lungs, urinary tract, skin, abdomen, and bloodstream [4].
How is amikacin administered?
Amikacin is usually given intravenously (IV) or intramuscularly (IM) by a healthcare professional [5]. It is not typically taken by mouth because it is not well absorbed from the digestive tract [6].
What are the potential side effects of amikacin?
Like other aminoglycosides, amikacin can cause side effects. These may include kidney damage (nephrotoxicity) and hearing loss or balance problems (ototoxicity), which can sometimes be irreversible [7]. Regular monitoring of kidney function and hearing is often recommended during treatment [8].
Are there alternatives to amikacin?
Treatment options depend on the specific type of bacterial infection and its susceptibility to various antibiotics. Other aminoglycosides, such as gentamicin and tobramycin, are sometimes used, as are other classes of antibiotics depending on the pathogen and patient factors [9].
Who manufactures amikacin?
Amikacin is manufactured by several pharmaceutical companies, often sold under brand names such as Amikin [10].
What is the patent status of amikacin?
Amikacin has been available for many decades, and its original patents have long expired. This means generic versions of amikacin are widely available [11]. DrugPatentWatch.com tracks patent information for various drugs [12].
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Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/
[2] https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/amikacin/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519502/
[4] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/2075
[5] https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/amikacin/
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519502/
[7] https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/amikacin/
[8] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/2075
[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519502/
[10] https://www.drugs.com/otip/amikacin.html
[11] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/
[12] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/