Kanamycin (Injection)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 28, 2022.
Therapy has been associated with potential neurotoxicity, ototoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. Patients with impaired renal function, advanced age, dehydration, and those who receive high dosage or prolonged therapy are at an increased risk of toxicity. Monitor renal and auditory function during therapy and discontinue therapy or adjust dose if there is evidence of ototoxicity or nephrotoxicity. Aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity is usually irreversible. Serum concentrations of aminoglycosides should be monitored when feasible to assure adequate levels and to avoid potentially toxic levels. Neuromuscular blockade and respiratory paralysis have also been reported following administration. Concurrent use of other potentially neurotoxic or nephrotoxic agents, or potent diuretics should be avoided .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Kantrex
Chemical Class: Aminoglycoside
Uses for kanamycin
Kanamycin injection is used to treat serious bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. Kanamycin is for short-term use only (usually 7 to 10 days).
Kanamycin belongs to the class of medicines known as aminoglycoside antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. However, kanamycin will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.
Kanamycin injection is usually used for serious bacterial infections for which other medicines may not work. However, it may also cause some serious side effects, including damage to your hearing, sense of balance, and kidneys. These side effects may be more likely to occur in elderly patients and newborn infants. You and your doctor should talk about the benefit of kanamycin as the risks.
Kanamycin is to be administered only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.
Before using kanamycin
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For kanamycin, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to kanamycin or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of kanamycin injection in children. However, kanamycin should be used with caution in premature and newborn infants.
Geriatric
No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of kanamycin injection in geriatric patients. However, elderly patients are more likely to have kidney problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving kanamycin injection.
Breastfeeding
Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these ca..
