Amikacin therapy for serious gram-negative bacillary infections.
Amikacin is a new aminoglycoside antibiotic pharmacologically similar to kanamycin. It has a wide range of activity against Gram-negative bacilli, including many resistant to gentamicin. Thirty-six serious Gram-negative bacillary infections were treated with amikacin. Twenty-nine patients (80-6%) responded (cured or improved). Twelve of 13 patients with gentamicin-resistant pathogens responded. Minor ototoxicity occurred in 6 patients and was associated with prolonged therapy or previous aminoglycoside therapy. Possible nephrotoxicity with amikacin was found in 6 patients. Amikacin should be used primarily to treat suspected or known gentamicin-resistant pathogens.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000583:Amikacin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007612:Kanamycin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000188:drug therapy; D010538:Peritonitis / Q000188:drug therapy; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000188:drug therapy; D018805:Sepsis / Q000188:drug therapy; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy
D007612:Kanamycin; D000583:Amikacin