Amikin® Injection (Amikacin Sulfate)
Compared with: Blackmores Conceive Well Gold 28 Tablets + 28 Capsules
Amikin® Injection (Amikacin Sulfate) is a broad‑spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic indicated for serious Gram‑negative infections. Delivered intravenously or intramuscularly, it inhibits bacterial protein synthesis, providing potent bactericidal activity against multidrug‑resistant strains in hospital settings.
Amikacin Sulfate – available as 250 mg/mL and 500 mg/mL concentrations in single‑use vials.

Other Popular and Common Names
Amikacin

Amikacin Sulphate

AG Antibiotic Injection

Tk‑Amikin (other brand)

Aminoglycoside IV/IM
Amikacin binds irreversibly to the 30S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria, disrupting initiation complex formation and causing misreading of mRNA. This leads to defective protein synthesis and rapid bactericidal activity.
Serious nosocomial Gram‑negative infections, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., and other Enterobacteriaceae

Severe respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, intra‑abdominal infections, septicaemia, and osteomyelitis

Combination therapy for Gram‑positive infections (e.g., enterococcal endocarditis) when used with a cell‑wall active agent
Indication Dose Frequency Notes
Adults (normal renal function) 15 mg/kg/day total Divided every 8–12 h Adjust per renal function. Use IBW for obese patients.
Neonates and Pediatrics 15 mg/kg/day Every 24 h Post‑natal age and renal function–based interval adjustment.
Severe Infections Up to 20 mg/kg/day Once daily dosing Once‑daily dosing may reduce nephrotoxicity.

Route: Intravenous infusion over 30–60 minutes or deep intramuscular injection.

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM): Measure peak (30 min post‑dose) and trough (immediately pre‑dose) levels to optimize efficacy and minimize toxicity.
Formulation: Sterile aqueous solution for injection

Strengths: 250 mg/mL, 500 mg/mL

Routes: IV infusion, IM injection

Legal Status: Prescription Only Medicine (S4)
Pregnancy: Category D – Potential ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity; use only if benefits outweigh risks.

Breastfeeding: Excreted in breast milk; monitor infant for toxicity or discontinue nursing.

Renal Impairment: Dose adjustment required based on creatinine clearance; TDM essential.

Elderly: Increased risk of toxicity; adjust dose and monitor renal function.

Nephrotoxicity (elevated serum creatinine, reduced GFR)

Ototoxicity (tinnitus, hearing loss, vestibular dysfunction)
Injection‑site pain
Neuromuscular blockade (respiratory depression)
Severe hypersensitivity reactions (rash, anaphylaxis)
Neurotoxicity (peripheral neuropathy)
Renal Monitoring: Check serum creatinine daily and adjust dose accordingly.

Audiology Monitoring: Baseline and periodic audiometry during prolonged therapy.

Neuromuscular Disease: Use with caution in patients with myasthenia gravis or Parkinson’s disease.

Hydration: Ensure adequate hydration to reduce nephrotoxicity risk.

Concurrent Nephrotoxins: Avoid or monitor closely when used with vancomycin, amphotericin B, cisplatin, or loop diuretics.
Therapeutic Class: Antibiotic, Antibacterial Agent

Pharmacologic Class: Aminoglycoside
Legal Category: Prescription Only Medicine
Loop Diuretics (e.g., furosemide): Additive ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity.

Vancomycin / Amphotericin B / Cisplatin: Increased risk of renal damage.

Neuromuscular Blockers (e.g., suxamethonium): Potentiation of blockade.

Penicillins / Cephalosporins: Can be administered concurrently for synergistic effects in enterococcal and pseudomonal infections.
A multicenter study showed once‑daily amikacin dosing achieves equivalent clinical efficacy with reduced nephrotoxicity compared to traditional divided dosing (Nix et al., Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2008).
Randomized trials confirm combination therapy with β‑lactams enhances bactericidal activity against Enterococcus faecalis endocarditis.
Comparison with Blackmores Conceive Well Gold
Amikin® Injection is used for acute, life‑threatening infections requiring hospitalization, whereas Blackmores Conceive Well Gold is a nutritional supplement for fertility support. Women of childbearing age undergoing treatment with Amikin® should complete antibiotic therapy and ensure infection resolution before conception planning with Conceive Well Gold.
FAQs – Amikin® Injection (Amikacin)
Q1. When is therapeutic drug monitoring necessary?
A: For prolonged therapy (>5 days), renal impairment, or critically ill patients to optimize dosing and limit toxicity.

Q2. Can Amikin® be given intramuscularly?
A: Yes. IM injection is an alternative when IV access is unavailable; pain may be more pronounced.

Q3. How long does Amikin® remain effective?
A: Once‑daily dosing provides sustained bactericidal levels; half‑life varies with renal function.

Q4. What precautions are needed for elderly patients?
A: Start at lower doses, extend dosing intervals, and closely monitor renal function and hearing.

Q5. Is it safe in pregnancy?
A: Generally avoided; use only for severe infections without safer alternatives.

Q6. How is ototoxicity detected early?
A: Perform baseline audiometry and repeat testing during treatment if symptoms such as tinnitus occur.

Q7. Can it be used in combination therapy?
A: Yes, especially with β‑lactams for synergistic effects in Enterococcus or resistant Gram‑negative infections.

Amikin Injection, Amikacin Sulfate, Aminoglycoside Antibiotic, Serious Gram‑Negative Infections, IV/IM Antibiotic, Nephrotoxicity Monitoring, Ototoxicity Risk, Critical Care Antibiotic, EZ Chemist