What is Amikacin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Amikacin overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • amikacin sulfate NovaPlus

Generic Names:

  • Amikacin Sulfate

Uses:

  • Treats infections. Belongs to a class of drugs called aminoglycoside antibiotics.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antibiotic

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Amikacin used for?

What form(s) does Amikacin come in

  • Injectable

What are common Amikacin doses?

  • Vial 4ML of 1GM/4ML

  • Vial 2ML of 500MG/2ML

Common Amikacin prescriptions

  • Amikacin Sulfate
    2ml of 500mg/2ml vial

  • Amikacin Sulfate
    4ml of 1gm/4ml vial

How to take Amikacin

  • Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given.

  • An IM injection is a shot given in your muscle (upper arm, thigh, buttocks). An IV infusion is medicine that is put directly into your body through one of your veins.

  • This medicine should be given by a person trained to give IV or IM medicine, such as a nurse. Sometimes you, a family member, or friend can be taught to give your medicine.

  • If you are receiving IV medicine, check the bag to make sure there are no leaks. Also make sure the solution is clear.

  • This medicine should be given by a person trained to give IV or IM medicine, such as a nurse. Sometimes you, a family member, or friend can be taught to give your medicine.

  • If you are receiving IV medicine, check the bag to make sure there are no leaks. Also make sure the solution is clear.

  • Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given.

  • An IM injection is a shot given in your muscle (upper arm, thigh, buttocks). An IV infusion is medicine that is put directly into your body through one of your veins.

What to do if you miss a dose of Amikacin

  • This medicine needs to be given on a regular schedule. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, and take the rest of the doses for the day at regularly spaced time intervals.

  • If you miss more than one dose, call your doctor for instructions.

  • If you have your treatments at home, you should be given a special container for the used needles. Keep it where children or pets cannot reach it.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Amikacin contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to amikacin or any other aminoglycoside antibiotic such as Garamycin® or Nebcin®.

Amikacin warnings

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease or myasthenia gravis.

  • Call your doctor right away if you notice any change in your hearing. Your doctor may want you to have hearing tests while you are taking amikacin.

  • If your infection does not improve, or gets worse, while taking this medicine, call your doctor.

  • Wheezing or trouble breathing

  • Urinating less than one cup in a day

  • Severe diarrhea (watery or bloody)

  • Swelling, pain, or redness near where your IV needle is placed

  • Muscle twitching or weakness

Amikacin interactions

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking a diuretic (water pills) or any other antibiotic medicine.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease or myasthenia gravis.

  • Call your doctor right away if you notice any change in your hearing. Your doctor may want you to have hearing tests while you are taking amikacin.

  • If your infection does not improve, or gets worse, while taking this medicine, call your doctor.

Amikacin side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Severe diarrhea (watery or bloody)

  • Swelling of the face, throat, or lips

  • Swelling, pain, or redness near where your IV needle is placed

  • Dizziness or trouble standing

  • Ringing in the ears or trouble hearing

  • Rash or hives

  • Wheezing or trouble breathing

  • Muscle twitching or weakness

  • Urinating less than one cup in a day

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Mild diarrhea

  • Nausea or upset stomach

  • Pain where the IM shot was given