Kanamycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that kills the bacteria by preventing them from synthesizing proteins they need to live.
What is Kanamycin?
Kanamycin is used in treatment of infections caused primarily by Gram-negative bacteria. Among the microbes against which it is effective are included E. coli, certain species of Proteus, E. aerogenes, K. pneumoniae, S. marcescens, and some species of Acinetobacter.
How should Kanamycin be taken?
Kanamycin can be taken orally or administered as intravenous or intramuscular injections. The best dosage varies depending on the type of infection to be treated, on the patient and the mode of administration.
Side effects associated with Kanamycin
The main adverse effects of kanamycin affect the ear and the kidneys. The potential problems associated with its intake may include:
- Albuminuria
- Apnea
- Increases in creatinine serum
- Azotemia
- Diarrhea
- Encephalopathies
- Nausea
- Nephrotoxicity
- Neuropaitie devices
- Oliguria
- Acute muscle paralysis
- Presence of red or white blood cells in the urine
- Skin rash
- Vomiting
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Kanamycin
Kanamycin should not be taken in cases of:
- Allergy to the active substance or to any of its excipients
- If you are taking cyclosporine, fludarabine, penicillin or cephalosporins intravenously, methoxyflurane, non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents or NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen and ibuprofen)
Other drugs that may interact with this antibiotic are diuretics such as furosemide and digoxin. In any case, it is always important to tell your doctor who is prescribing the kanamycin of all the medicines you are taking. It is also essential to inform a doctor if you are pregnant, if you are breast-feeding or if you suffer from any illness.
