Amikacin is a semi-synthetic aminoglycoside antibiotic that is used to treat infections caused by both positive and negative strains of Gram bacteria, as it is considered bacteriocidal. It is commonly administered intravenously or intramuscular injection, and is used to successfully treat bacterial infections caused by Pseudomonas species, Escherichia coli, species of indole-positive Proteus, indole-negative Proteus, Providencia species, Klebsiella-Enterobacter-Serratia species, and Acinetobacter species. Amikacin enters the bacterial cell and interacts in the cytosol with the bacterial ribosome 30S subunit, this interferes with mRNA binding and tRNA acceptor sites which halts protein synthesis. With protein synthesis inhibited this leads to the formation of non-functional and defective peptides. The structure of Amikacin allows it to enter the body and minimize enzymatic deactivation, this is helpful as it reduces bacterial resistance to the drug. 94%-98% of Amikacin is eliminated by the kidneys, relatively unchanged within a 24 hour period. Patients with renal impairment have more difficulty clearing Amikacin and doses have to be adjusted accordingly so no harm comes to the patient. If Amikacin accumulates or too much is administered it can lead to nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, and neuromuscular blockade. Caution should be taken by patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding as the possible effects of Amikacin on fetal development are unknown and could potentially be harmful.

Amikacin Pathway (new) References