Amikacin
Pronounced am-i-KAY-sin
Brand names: Amikin
Type: Aminoglycoside antibiotic · All Antibiotics & Infection Medicines
What Amikacin is used for
- Serious hospital infections resistant to gentamicin
- Certain mycobacterial infections
◆ Kidney note
One of the most kidney-toxic antibiotic groups; dosing is level-guided in kidney disease and dialysis.
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Injection site pain
Important cautions
- Can injure the kidneys and damage hearing or balance — blood levels are monitored and courses kept as short as possible
How it comes
Injection (hospital). This guide lists forms only — it never lists strengths or doses.
Toxicity lists: Amikacin also appears on Medicines That Can Harm the Kidneys.
Related medicines — Antibiotics & Infection Medicines
Please note: This page is a patient-education summary, not medical advice, and it deliberately contains no doses. Medicines affect everyone differently — always follow your own prescription and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.