Amikacin (Oral Inhalation)

Generic name: Amikacin (oral inhalation) [ am-i-KAY-sin ]
Brand name: Arikayce
Drug class: Aminoglycosides

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

Warning

This medicine may raise the chance of some lung or breathing problems like coughing up blood or trouble breathing. Sometimes, lung problems have gotten worse in people who already have them and have needed to be treated in a hospital. Call your doctor right away if you have any new or worse lung or breathing problems like coughing up blood, fast breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing or other trouble breathing, cough, or fever.

Uses of Amikacin:

It is used to treat a type of bacterial infection.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Amikacin?

If you are allergic to amikacin (oral inhalation); any part of amikacin (oral inhalation); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
If you are taking any of these drugs: Ethacrynic acid, furosemide, mannitol, or urea.
If you are taking or have recently taken any drugs that can cause nerve, kidney, or hearing problems. This may be drugs like amphotericin B, bacitracin, cephaloridine, cisplatin, colistin, cyclosporine, paromomycin, polymyxin B, vancomycin, viomycin, or other drugs like this one. There are many other drugs that can do this. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with amikacin (oral inhalation).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take amikacin (oral inhalation) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Amikacin?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take amikacin (oral inhalation). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
Have a hearing test before starting amikacin (oral inhalation) and while you take amikacin (oral inhalation).
Muscle weakness has happened with drugs like this one. If you have nerve or muscle problems like myasthenia gravis, talk with your doctor. Call your doctor right away if you have any muscle weakness.
Do not use longer than you have been told. A second infection may happen.
This medicine may cause harm to the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant. If you are pregnant or you get pregnant while taking amikacin (oral inhalation), call your doctor right away.
Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Amikacin) best taken?

Use amikacin (oral inhalation) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

For breathing in only as a liquid (solution) by a special machine (nebulizer) into the lungs.
Only use the type of nebulizer that you have been told to use. If you are not sure what type of nebulizer to use, talk with the doctor.
If stored in a refrigerator, let amikacin (oral inhalation) come to room temperature before using it. Leave it at room temperature for at least 45 minutes. Do not heat amikacin (oral inhalation).
Before use, shake the vial for at least 10 to 15 seconds until contents are mixed well.
Use right after opening.
Throw away any part of opened vial not used after use.
Keep using amikacin (oral inhalation) as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
If you are taking more than 1 inhaled drug, talk to your doctor about the best order for taking your drugs.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain.
Change in balance.
Dizziness or passing out.
Ringing in the ears, hearing loss, or any other changes in hearing.
Trouble speaking.
Chest pain or pressure.

What are some other side effects of Amikacin?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

Change in voice.
Mouth or throat pain or irritation.
Back, muscle, or joint pain.
Feeling tired or weak.
Diarrhea.
Upset stomach or throwing up.
Headache.
Weight loss.
More sputum.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Amikacin?

Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Do not use if it has been frozen.
You may store unopened vials at room temperature. If you store at room temperature, throw away any part not used after 28 days.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about amikacin (oral inhalation), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.