Amikacin

(am i KAY sin)

How does this drug come?

• This drug comes as an injection.

Pharmacologic Category

• Antibiotic, Aminoglycoside

What key warnings do I need to know about before giving this drug to my child?

• This drug may cause kidney function to get worse and hearing loss, and it may change your child's sense of balance. Talk with the doctor.
• Unsafe side effects may happen. This drug cannot be given while your child is taking some other drugs. Check all the drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor.

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to amikacin or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to treat bacterial infections.

How does this drug work?

• Amikacin works to harm the bacteria and fight the infection.

How is this drug given?

• It is given as a shot into a muscle or vein.

How long does this drug take to work?

• Your child may start feeling better a few days after starting this drug.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.
• If your child has hearing loss, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has kidney disease, talk with the doctor.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Change in hearing may rarely happen.
• Kidney function that gets worse.

What do I need to watch for when my child is using this drug?

• Change in the health problem being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• For unwanted side effects of this drug.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child's is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child has a change in balance.
• If your child is feeling very tired or weak.
• If your child is feeling very nervous and excitable.
• If your child has a very bad upset stomach or is throwing up.
• If your child has very loose stools, even after drug is stopped.
• If your child has a change in hearing.
• If your child is not able to pass urine.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store as you have been told by your doctor.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• You may get this drug by drug order only. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If your child does not have refills left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Many drugs do not work with other drugs. Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Call your doctor for help with any side effects. You may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.