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Amikacin: uses, side effects & brands
Amikacin is an aminoglycoside for serious gram-negative infections; kidneys/hearing are monitored. It belongs to the Hospital / strong antibiotic (injectable) group. These powerful antibiotics are used in hospital for serious or resistant infections.
Drug type — dosing is set by your doctor
| Measure | Range |
|---|---|
| Drug class | Hospital / strong antibiotic (injectable) |
| Type | Prescription |
| Dose | Individual — ask your doctor or pharmacist |
What it is used for
- Treats serious infections caused by gram-negative bacteria
- Used for infections resistant to gentamicin
- Part of treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis and some other mycobacterial infections
Common brand names
- India: Mikacin, Amikacin
- Worldwide: Amikin
Common side effects
- Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Reduced kidney function
- Pain at the injection site
Before taking it — precautions
- Kidney function, hearing and blood levels are checked during treatment
- Tell your doctor about existing kidney, hearing or balance problems, or myasthenia gravis
- Avoid in pregnancy unless essential; tell your doctor about water tablets or other kidney-affecting medicines
When to see a doctor urgently
- Ringing in the ears, muffled hearing or spinning dizziness (urgent)
- Much less urine, or swelling of the legs
- Muscle weakness or breathing difficulty (urgent)
Frequently asked questions
Why are my blood levels checked?
Amikacin works well but can harm the ears and kidneys if levels get too high, so blood tests guide treatment.
Is hearing damage reversible?
Hearing loss from amikacin can be permanent, so report any ringing or hearing change early.
Can I take it as a tablet?
No. It is given by injection or drip.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.