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Kanamycin

Generic name: Kanamycin [ kan-a-MYE-sin ]
Drug class: Aminoglycosides

Warning

  • This medicine may cause kidney problems, nerve problems, and hearing problems (like long-lasting hearing loss). This could even happen at normal doses. The risk of these problems may be higher if you already have kidney or hearing problems, if you get high doses of kanamycin, or if you get kanamycin for a long time. The risk may also be higher in older people, infants, or people who are dehydrated. Hearing loss can happen even after kanamycin is stopped. If you already have kidney problems or hearing problems, tell your doctor. Your doctor will watch you closely and may run hearing and kidney tests. Talk with your doctor.
  • Do not use kanamycin 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, ethacrynic acid, furosemide, 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.
  • Very bad muscle problems and very bad breathing problems have happened with kanamycin. The risk of these problems may be higher if you are getting certain drugs used to put you to sleep or to relax your muscles. The risk is also higher if you are getting a certain type of blood transfusion. Talk with your doctor.

Uses of Kanamycin:

  • It is used to treat bacterial infections.

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

  • If you have an allergy to kanamycin or any other part of kanamycin.
  • If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

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 kanamycin 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 Kanamycin?

  • Tell all of your health care providers that you take kanamycin. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
  • If you are allergic to sulfites, talk with your doctor. Some products have sulfites.
  • Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
  • If you are 65 or older, use kanamycin with care. You could have more side effects.
  • Use with care in newborns. Talk with the doctor.
  • This medicine may cause harm to the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using kanamycin while you are pregnant.
  • Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Kanamycin) best taken?

Use kanamycin as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

  • It is given as a shot into a muscle or vein.
  • Drink lots of noncaffeine liquids unless told to drink less liquid by your doctor.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

  • Call your doctor to find out what to do.
Detailed Kanamycin dosage information

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.
  • Very bad dizziness or passing out.
  • Hearing loss.
  • Ringing or roaring in the ears.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
  • Twitching.
  • Seizures.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Feeling very tired or weak.
Kanamycin side effects (more detail)

What are some other side effects of Kanamycin?

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 you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

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-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://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 Kanamycin?

  • If you need to store kanamycin at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.
  • 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.
  • Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.
  • Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including prescription or OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
  • Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about kanamycin, 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.

Further information

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

Medical Disclaimer