Mercacin

Drug name: Mercacin

Other names used:

• Amikin®
• Amikin Pediatric®

Active Ingredients: Amikacin

Therapeutic actions: Amikacin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat different types of bacterial infections. Amikacin works by binding to the bacterial 30S ribosomal subunit, causing misreading of mRNA and leaving the bacterium unable to synthesize proteins vital to its growth.

Indications: Amikacin is indicated for the treatment of infections of: central nervous system, urogenital system, biliary and intestinal tracts, skin and subcutaneous tissues, intra abdominal infections, pneumonia, caused by Gram-negative microorganisms, secondary infections after combustion, bacterial septicemia, infections of the bones and joints (caused by sensitive to Amikacin microorganisms).
Amikacin is only administered via injections. No oral form is available.

Contraindications and cautions: Do not use amikacin without first talking to your doctor if you have

• sulfite sensitivity;
• kidney disease;
• hearing loss or loss of balance due to ear problems;
• Parkinson's disease; or
• a neuromuscular disorder such as myasthenia gravis.

You may not be able to use amikacin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Do not use amikacin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Do not use amikacin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
If you are injecting amikacin at home, your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions on how and where to inject the medication. If you do not understand these directions, do not attempt to inject the medication. Contact your healthcare provider for further instructions.
Amikacin may cause damage to the kidneys and/or nerves. Kidney function and drug levels in the blood may be monitored with blood tests during treatment. Tell your doctor if you experience hearing loss, dizziness, numbness, skin tingling, muscle twitching, or seizures which may be signs of nerve damage.

Adverse effects: Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking amikacin and seek emergency medical attention:

• an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat; hives; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; rash; or fainting);
• little or no urine;
• decreased hearing or ringing in the ears;
• dizziness, clumsiness, or unsteadiness;
• numbness, skin tingling, muscle twitching, or seizures; or
• severe watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take amikacin and talk to your doctor if you experience

• increased thirst;
• loss of appetite;
• nausea or vomiting;
• a rash.

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with Amikacin. Special care must be taken with drugs which affect the kidneys, because their interaction can result in dangerous side effects and/or decreased effectiveness. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.

Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.