Medicine Highlights
Uses | 1. To treat blood infection (bacterial septicemia) 2. To treat serious infections of the respiratory tract including pneumonia 3. To treat bone and joint infections like osteomyelitis and septic arthritis 4. To treat central nervous system infections including meningitis 5. To treat soft tissue infections 6. To treat abdominal infections |
Common Side Effects | 1. Vertigo 2. Dizziness 3. Ringing sound in ears 4. Nerve damage |
Additional Information | Avoid taking alcohol or tobacco with this medicine. |
Storage | 1- The medicine should be stored at room temperature 2- Keep away from sunlight and moisture 3- Keep away from the reach of children |
How to Take This Medicine | The medicine should be taken through injection |
Amikacin Summary
Amikacin 500 mg/2 ml is a strong antibiotic given through an IV to treat serious infections like meningitis, soft tissue infections, bone and joint infection, lung and blood infections. It works by stopping bacteria from making the proteins they need to survive. Take it exactly as your doctor prescribe, don’t stop early or change the dose without checking. Common side effects include nausea, headache, and fever. Let your doctor know if you’re pregnant or allergic, as it may not be safe for you.
Amikacin Uses
Amikacin 500 mg/ 2 ml is an intravenous medicine belonging to the class aminoglycoside antibiotics. It is used for following indications:
- Blood infection (bacterial septicemia)
- Serious infections of the respiratory tract including pneumonia
- Bone and joint infections like osteomyelitis and septic arthritis
- Central nervous system infections including meningitis
- Soft tissue infections
- Abdominal infections
Directions for use
- Take amikacin exactly as prescribed by your doctor, regularly at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking ofloxacin without your doctor’s approval.
Amikacin side effects
More Common
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Fever
Less Common
- Rash
- Peeling or blistering of the skin
- Itching
- Hives
- Swelling of the eyes, face, throat, tongue, or lips
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Hoarseness
How Amikacin works
Amikacin works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria. It binds to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, which weakens the bacteria and ultimately leads to their death.
Safety Measures and Warning
📌 Allergy/Hypersensitivity
If you are allergic to this medicine, inform your doctor so they can prescribe an alternative medication.
📌 Pregnancy
If you are pregnant or planning to conceive, let your doctor know, as amikacin can be harmful to the fetus.
Amikacin Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking amikacin 500 mg/2 ml with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Amikacin Interaction with Food Product
You should avoid taking alcohol or tobacco with this medicine as it may increase or decrease the effect of amikacin.
Storage
- The medicine should be stored at room temperature
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep away from the reach of children
Amikacin Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name
(2S)-4-Amino-N-[(2S,3S,4R,5S)-5-amino-2-[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-4-amino-3,5-dihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-4-[(2R,3R,4S,5R,6R)-6-(aminomethyl)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-oxan-2-yl]oxy-3-hydroxy-cyclohexyl]-2-hydroxybutanamide.

Intake routine/cycle
📌 Daily Dose
Take amikacin exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
📌 Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication soon as you remember. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
📌 Overdose
If you take more than the prescribed dose of this medication, it can lead to toxicity. Symptoms of an overdose may include ringing in the ears, hearing difficulties, fever, headache, and paralysis. If you know someone who has taken this medicine and is experiencing these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
FAQ’s
1. Is Amikacin an antibiotic?
➡️ Yes, amikacin is bactericidal belonging to aminoglycoside class of medicine.
2. Amikacin belongs to which group?
➡️ Amikacin belongs to the aminoglycoside category of antibiotics.
3. Why is amikacin contraindicated in renal failure?
➡️ Amikacin is primarily excreted through the kidneys. In cases of renal failure, the kidneys are already under strain, and this medication can further worsen the condition. Therefore, it is best for patients with kidney disease to avoid taking this medicine unless advised otherwise by a doctor.
Reference
- Amikacin injection. WebMD [Internet]. WebMD LLC; [updated date unavailable; cited 2025 Jun 12]. Available from.
- Amikacin (injection route). Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; updated May 2025 [cited 2025 Jun 12]. Available from
- Nayak-Rao S. Aminoglycoside use in renal failure. Indian J Nephrol. 2010 Jul;20(3):121-4. doi: 10.4103/0971-4065.70839. PMID: 21072150; PMCID: PMC2966976. Available from.
- DBL Amikacin Injection. News‑Medical.net [Internet]. [updated date unavailable; cited 2025 Jun 12]. Available from.
- Amikacin injection. MedlinePlus [Internet]. U.S. National Library of Medicine; [published about 2.1 years ago; cited 2025 Jun 12]. Available from.