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Brand

Amiglyde-V

Availability

Injectable: 50 mg/mL, and 250 mg/mL
(injectable form diluted in normal saline can also be used when nebulizing required)

Pharmacology

Amikacin is a semisynthetic derivative of Kanamycin. It is an aminogylcoside antibiotic that is considered bactericidal. It acts on susceptible bacteria by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit and inhibiting protein synthesis.

Aminoglycosides do not readily cross the blood-brain barrier. However, they are able to cross placental barrier, and may cause nerve or nephrotoxic effects to the fetus. It is not recommended that these drugs be used in pregnant rats.

Amikacin has the same spectrum of activity as gentamicin and tobramycin, but it is less susceptible to enzymatic inactivation. This makes amikacin valuable in managing infections caused by Gram-negative bacilli resistant to gentamicin and tobramycin.

Amikacin’s use can include coverage against some aerobic Gram-positive bacteria,which include E.coli, klebsiella, proteus, pseudomonas, salmonella, enterobacter, serratia and mycoplasma.

The drug is almost exclusively eliminated by way of glomerular filtration when given in parenteral form.

Indications

For use in serious Gram-negative bacilliary infections. In bacteremia or septicemia, or bone and joint infections.

Drug Interactions or Contraindications

Use cautiously with the following:
Loop diuretics such as furosemide (can increase ototoxicity).
With other aminoglycosides (increase nephrotoxicity).

Per the manufacturer it is not a recommendation to mix amikacin in with other drug compounds. Give separately.

For other interactions and contraindications check with a pharmacist.

Adverse Reactions

All aminoglycosides are nephrotoxic and ototoxic, and can cause neuromuscular blockade.

CNS: lethargy,neuromuscular blockade,facial edema, pain/inflammation at injection site.

EENT: ototoxicity (loss of hearing)

GU: nephrotoxicity (oliguria,proteinuria)

Dosage Recommendations

10 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg total per day divided q8hrs to q24hrs; SQ or IM  ²

or

10 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg per day  ¹¹

or

5 mg/lb , SQ or IM , BID or TID, for 7 to 14 days(as recommended on RMCA Drug Chart)

or

2 mg/kg to 5 mg/kg , SQ or IM , q8hrs to q12hrs  ¹

Considerations

• Use cautiously in animals with impaired renal function. Monitor weight.
• Be sure pet rat has access to plenty of fluids, or fluid containing foods (e.g. fruits that are juicy), while receiving the drug in order to minimize chemical irritation in renal tubules.
• Give yogurt, Lactobacillus capsules/granules, or Bene-bac to help maintain normal gut flora.
• Watch for loss of balance.
• Injectables can be stored at room temperature for 2 years.
• In treating suspected polymicrobial infections, where a broader coverage may be needed, synergistic or combination drugs may be used. The following drugs may be seen used simultaneously with amikacin: ampicillin, amoxicillin, penicillin, fluoroquinolones (e.g., enrofloxacin or orbifloxicin), cephalosporins, trimethoprim-sulfa, and metronidazole. ¹
• Please note that it is imperative to discuss the changing or adding of any medications during your rat’s treatment with your veterinarian to prevent future resistance of microbes to the drugs prescribed.

Posted on June 17, 2003, 15:34, Last updated on December 12, 2008, 14:24 | Antimicrobial Agents