Amikacin

Updated on September 10, 2024

Aminoglycoside injectable antibiotic used to treat serious infections in dogs, cats, and other animals.

Amikacin

Summary

Used For: Urogenital infections, respiratory infections, skin infections, soft tissue infections, and others

Brands: Amiglyde-V, Amikacin C, Amikacin K-9, Amiject D

Species: Dogs, cats, horses, cattle, birds, small mammals and reptiles

Drug type: Antibiotic

Prescription required: Yes

Pregnancy and lactation: Not safe for use in pregnant and lactating animals.

Side effects: May see vomiting, kidney damage, hearing loss, or vestibular (balance) disorders.

General description

Amikacin is an injectable aminoglycoside antibacterial used to treat aerobic gram-negative bacterial infections not responsive to more commonly used antibiotics. It is typically used in veterinary medicine to treat serious respiratory, urogenital, skin, and soft tissue infections.

Uses

Bacterial infections including urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, skin infections, soft tissue infections, and uterine infections.

How it works

Amikacin is a bactericidal antibiotic that stops bacterial growth by inhibiting protein synthesis in susceptible bacteria.

Dosage

**Dogs**: 5 – 30 milligrams per kilogram of body weight intramuscularly, intravenously, or subcutaneously every 8 - 24 hours **Cats**: 10 – 15 milligrams per kilogram of body weight intramuscularly, intravenously, or subcutaneously every 8 - 24 hours **Horses**: 6 – 25 milligrams per kilogram of body weight intramuscularly or intravenously every 8 - 24 hours **Cattle**: 12 milligrams per kilogram of body weight intramuscularly every 12 hours **Rodents/Small Mammals**: 2.5 – 5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight intramuscularly or subcutaneously every 8 - 24 hours **Birds**: 5 – 20 milligrams per kilogram of body weight intramuscularly every 8 - 24 hours. **Reptiles**: 2.5 – 5 milligrams per kilogram intramuscularly every 24 – 72 hours.

Forms

50 milligrams per milliliter and 250 milligrams per milliliter amikacin solution for injection.

Storage information & handling

Store at room temperature.

What results can I expect?

Assuming that the infection being treated is susceptible to amikacin, resolution of the infection should occur during the treatment period.

Missed Dosage

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Never give two doses at once.

Overdose / acute toxicity

Early signs of toxicity include loss of balance and vomiting. May see symptoms of kidney disease including increase or decrease in drinking, lack of appetite, vomiting, depression, coma, and death.

Side effects

May include: * Kidney damage * Hearing loss * Vestibular (balance) disorders * Vomiting * Diarrhea * Facial swelling * Allergic reactions * Pain at the injection site * Blood disorders * Liver disorders

Contraindications

Do not use in pregnant or lactating animals or in pets with: * Aminoglycoside sensitivity * Pre -existing kidney disease * Heartworm microfilaria (dogs) * Fever or dehydration * Myasthenia gravis or other neuromuscular disorders

Drug interactions

Amikacin should be used cautiously with other drugs that may cause hearing loss, vestibular disease, or kidney disease. These include: * Amphotericin B * Other aminoglycosides * Acyclovir * Bacitracin * Cephalosporins * Cisplatin * Diuretics * Methoxyflurane * Polymyxin B * Vancomycin General anesthesia and neuromuscular blocking agents may also interact with amikacin.

Precaution

Young and old pets are at increased risk of side effects. Cats are very sensitive to the vestibular effects of aminoglycosides. Do not use in animals who require their hearing to perform their work due to the risk of permanent hearing loss or vestibular impairment. A culture and sensitivity test should be performed to verify the need for amikacin due to the seriousness of potential side effects.

Laboratory considerations

Baseline bloodwork and urinalysis (to specifically identify casts) should be obtained prior to using this medication and should be repeated during treatment to monitor kidney function.

Sources

*Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook* *VIN Veterinary Drug Handbook*
image

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Files Under:

Disclaimer

The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.