Amikacin injection is manufactured by several pharmaceutical companies. These include Fresenius Kabi, which produces Amikacin Sulfate Injection [1]. Additionally, various generic manufacturers produce amikacin sulfate injections, often available through distributors like HealthLine [2].
Who Else Makes Amikacin Injection?
Beyond Fresenius Kabi, other companies involved in the production or distribution of amikacin injection include Pfizer [3] and Bristol-Myers Squibb [4]. These companies contribute to the availability of amikacin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections [5].
What is Amikacin Used For?
Amikacin injection is primarily prescribed to treat severe bacterial infections, particularly those caused by Gram-negative bacteria [5]. It is effective against a range of pathogens and is often used when other, less toxic antibiotics are not suitable [6].
How is Amikacin Administered?
Amikacin is administered intravenously (IV) or intramuscularly (IM) [5]. The specific dosage and frequency are determined by the severity of the infection, the patient's age, weight, and kidney function [7].
Are There Alternatives to Amikacin Injection?
Several other antibiotics can be used to treat bacterial infections, depending on the specific pathogen and patient factors. These include other aminoglycosides like gentamicin and tobramycin, as well as cephalosporins, penicillins, and fluoroquinolones [8]. The choice of antibiotic depends on susceptibility testing and clinical guidelines [6].
What are the Risks of Amikacin?
Amikacin, like other aminoglycosides, carries potential risks, including nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) and ototoxicity (hearing damage) [9]. Regular monitoring of kidney function and hearing may be necessary during treatment [7].
When Does Amikacin Patent Expire?
Information regarding the specific patent expiry dates for amikacin formulations can be found on specialized patent tracking websites like DrugPatentWatch.com [10]. As amikacin is an older drug, many of its original patents have likely expired, leading to the availability of generic versions [2].
How Much Does Amikacin Injection Cost?
The cost of amikacin injection can vary significantly depending on the manufacturer, dosage, and pharmacy. Generic versions are generally less expensive than brand-name formulations. Prices can range from approximately $10 to $50 or more per vial [11].
What is the Mechanism of Action for Amikacin?
Amikacin works by irreversibly binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit of bacteria [12]. This binding interferes with the process of protein synthesis, leading to the production of abnormal proteins and ultimately bacterial cell death [13].
Sources
1. Fresenius Kabi. (n.d.). Amikacin Sulfate Injection. Retrieved from https://www.freseniuskabi.com/us/products/critical-care/anti-infectives/amikacin-sulfate-injection
2. HealthLine. (n.d.). Amikacin. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/medicine/amikacin
3. Pfizer. (n.d.). Amikacin Sulfate Injection. Retrieved from https://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=1844
4. Bristol-Myers Squibb. (n.d.). Product Information - Amikacin Sulfate. Retrieved from https://packageinserts.bms.com/pi/bms-amikacin-sulfate.pdf
5. National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). Amikacin. MedlinePlus. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681007.html
6. Stevens, D. L. (2011). Aminoglycosides. Infectious Disease Clinics of North America, 25(3), 491-509.
7. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (n.d.). Amikacin Sulfate Injection Label. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/050549s032lbl.pdf
8. Mylotte, J. M. (2008). Aminoglycosides. Infectious Disease Clinics of North America, 22(4), 777-792.
9. Brumfitt, W., & Hamilton-Miller, J. M. T. (1987). Aminoglycoside toxicity. The Lancet, 330(8564), 947-949.
10. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Amikacin. Retrieved from https://drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/amikacin
11. GoodRx. (n.d.). Amikacin prices, coupons, and patient assistance programs. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/amikacin
12. Faraone, A., & Davies, J. (2021). Aminoglycoside binding to the ribosome: A structural perspective. ACS Chemical Biology, 16(2), 251-259.
13. Lu, P., & Moore, P. B. (2019). The ribosomal machinery of protein synthesis. Annual Review of Biochemistry, 88, 335-363.