Amikin

Amikin is a brand name for amikacin sulfate, an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat serious Gram-negative infections. It is administered parenterally, most commonly by intravenous infusion or intramuscular injection.

Amikacin binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit, disrupting bacterial protein synthesis and causing cell death. Its activity is concentration-dependent, and the drug is generally considered bactericidal.

Amikacin has broad activity against aerobic Gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella species, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacter. It often remains active against strains resistant to gentamicin or tobramycin. It has limited activity against most Gram-positive organisms and against anaerobes. In clinical use, amikacin is typically reserved for severe infections and is commonly given in combination with a beta-lactam antibiotic to broaden coverage and achieve synergy, particularly for hospital-acquired infections and infections due to resistant Gram-negative organisms.

Dosing is individualized based on weight, renal function, and infection severity. Therapeutic drug monitoring of peak and trough serum levels is frequently used to optimize efficacy while minimizing toxicity. Adverse effects include nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity (cochlear and vestibular), as well as possible neuromuscular blockade. Cautions include pregnancy considerations, preexisting kidney or inner-ear disease, and concurrent use of other nephrotoxic or ototoxic drugs.