Amikacin, Serum

Amikacin is indicated in the short-term treatment of serious infections due to susceptible strains of gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas sp., Escherichia coli, Proteus sp. (indole positive and negative), Providencia sp., Klebsiella-Enterobacter-Serratia sp., and Acinetobacter sp.. Amikacin sulphate injection is effective in bacterial septicaemia (including neonatal sepsis); in serious infections of the respiratory tract, bones and joints, central nervous system (including meningitis) and skin and soft tissue; intra-abdominal infections (including peritonitis); and in burns and post operative infections (including post vascular surgery). In addition, amikacin is effective in serious complicated and recurrent urinary tract infections. After prolonged treatment with Amikacin the most common adverse effects are the nephrotoxicity and the ototoxicity. The manifestations of ototoxicity are vestibular toxic changes and cochlear toxic changes (loss of hearing associated with a sensation of pressure and noise in ears).

Measurement of blood amikacin is used to maintain therapeutic levels and avoid drug induced toxicity.

1 ml Serum Room Temperature

Sampling time for peak is 30 -60 min after dose. Sampling time for trough is immediately prior to the next dose. Time to achieve steady state after chronic dose varies among individuals.

Peak level: 20 - 25 µg/dL ml Trough level: 5 - 10 µg/ml