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Amikin Side Effects

Generic name: amikacin

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 25, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about amikacin. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Amikin.

Applies to amikacin: injection solution.

Warning

Injection route (Solution)

Therapy has been associated with potential neurotoxicity, ototoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. Patients with impaired renal function, advanced age, dehydration, and those who receive high dosage or prolonged therapy are at an increased risk of toxicity. Monitor renal and auditory function during therapy and discontinue therapy or adjust dose if there is evidence of ototoxicity or nephrotoxicity. Aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity is usually irreversible. Serum concentrations of aminoglycosides should be monitored when feasible to assure adequate levels and to avoid potentially toxic levels. Neuromuscular blockade and respiratory paralysis have also been reported following administration. Concurrent use of other potentially neurotoxic agents, nephrotoxic agents, or potent diuretics should be avoided.

Serious side effects of Amikin

Along with its needed effects, amikacin (the active ingredient contained in Amikin) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking amikacin:

Incidence not known

Other side effects of Amikin

Some side effects of amikacin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to amikacin: compounding powder, injectable solution, intravenous solution.

General

The most commonly reported side effects included injection site paint and hearing loss (permanent in some cases).[Ref]

Renal

Common (1% to 10%): Azotemia, decreased creatinine clearance, decreased renal function, increased serum creatinine, increased serum urea

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Renal failure

Frequency not reported: Acute renal failure, cells in urine, renal toxicity, toxic nephropathy[Ref]

Renal function changes were usually reversible when the drug was discontinued.[Ref]

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Hearing loss, permanent hearing loss

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Changes in caloric testing/electronystagmus, drug fever

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Pyrexia

Frequency not reported: Auditory toxicity, cochlear damage, deafness, generalized burning, high frequency deafness, lethargy, neurosensory deafness, ototoxicity, vestibular toxicity[Ref]

Initial hearing loss usually manifests as diminution of high-tone acuity.[Ref]

Genitourinary

Common (1% to 10%): Oliguria, protein in the urine

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Albuminuria, red blood cells in urine, white blood cells in urine[Ref]

Local

Common (1% to 10%): Injection site pain[Ref]

Injection site pain occurred with IM administration.[Ref]

Nervous system

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dizziness, paresthesia, tremor, vertigo

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Balance disorder, headache

Frequency not reported: Acute organic brain syndrome, confusion, convulsions, eighth cranial nerve toxicity, loss of balance, neuromuscular blockade, paralysis, pseudotumor cerebri[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Nausea, vomiting

Frequency not reported: Increased salivation, stomatitis[Ref]

Immunologic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Superinfections or colonization with resistant bacteria or yeast[Ref]

Dermatologic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rash/skin rash

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Pruritus, urticaria

Frequency not reported: Alopecia[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Arthralgia

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Muscle twitching

Frequency not reported: Acute muscular paralysis, joint pain, myasthenia gravis-like syndrome[Ref]

Hematologic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anemia

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Eosinophilia

Frequency not reported: Purpura, splenomegaly[Ref]

Hepatic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): AST increased

Frequency not reported: Transient hepatomegaly[Ref]

Ocular

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Blindness, macular infarction, permanent vision loss, retinal infarction

Frequency not reported: Visual disturbances[Ref]

Blindness, macular infarction, and retinal infarction occurred after intravitreous administration.[Ref]

Metabolic

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Hypomagnesemia

Frequency not reported: Anorexia, decreased appetite, weight loss[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Hypotension

Frequency not reported: Hypertension[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Frequency not reported: Anaphylactic reaction, anaphylactic response, anaphylactic shock, anaphylactoid reaction, hypersensitivity[Ref]

Respiratory

Frequency not reported: Apnea, bronchospasm, laryngeal edema, pulmonary fibrosis, respiratory depression[Ref]

Psychiatric

Frequency not reported: Depression[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

References

1. Product Information. Amikin (amikacin). Bristol-Myers Squibb. 2002;PROD.

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.