Kanamycin

  • Brand Name : Kantrex
  • Drug Class : Aminoglycosides
  • Medical Author : Divya Jacob, Pharm. D.
  • Medical Reviewer :
  • _eael_post_view_count : 12

What Is Kanamycin and How Does It Work?

Kanamycin is a prescription medication used to treat serious infections caused by bacteria. 

  • Kanamycin is available under the following different brand names: Kantrex

What Are Dosages of Kanamycin?

Adult dosage

Injectable solution

  • 75 mg /2 mL
  • 500 mg /2 mL
  • 1 g /3 mL

Susceptible Infections

Adult dosage

  • Intravenous Administration: 5-7.5 mg/kg/dose divided every 8-12 hours; not to exceed 15 mg/kg/day divided every 6-12 hours; administer slowly  
  • Intramuscular Administration: 5-7.5 mg/kg/dose divided every 8-12 hours; not to exceed 15 mg/kg/day Intramuscular divided every 12 hours at equally divided intervals; continuously high blood levels are desired; a daily dose of 15 mg/kg may be given divided every 6-8 hours
  • Aerosol: 250 mg every 6-12 hours by nebulization

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

  • See “Dosages”

What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Kanamycin?

Common side effects of Kanamycin include:

  • skin rash or itching, 
  • hives, 
  • allergic reaction,
  • headache,
  • fever,
  • nausea, or vomiting.

Serious side effects of Kanamycin include:

  • changes in the hearing.
  • spinning sensation, problems with balance.
  • ringing or roaring sound in the ears.
  • numbness or tingling of the skin.
  • muscle twitching, seizure (convulsions); or
  • urinating less than usual or not at all.

Rare side effects of Kanamycin include:

  • none 

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

  • Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors;
  • Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
  • Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in your chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheartedness, or passing out.

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur as a result of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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