Kanamycin
About Kanamycin
Kanamycin belongs to the class of 'antibiotics', primarily used to treat severe bacterial infections and multi-drug resistant tuberculosis. Bacterial infection occurs when harmful bacteria grow in the body and causes infection. It can infect any part of the body and multiply very quickly. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs, but it can also spread to other body parts, such as kidneys, brain, spine, and bone marrow.
Kanamycin consists of 'Kanamycin' that belongs to the class of aminoglycoside antibiotics. It has bactericidal action and kills the bacteria. It works by preventing the synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions.
Use this medication as advised by the doctor. Some may experience side effects like hearing loss, dizziness, loss of balance, pain at the injection site, rash, and peripheral neuropathy (weakness, numbness, and pain caused due to nerve damage). Most of these side effects of Kanamycin do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. If these side effects persist longer, please consult your doctor.
Brief your medical history to the doctor if you are allergic to Kanamycin or any of its components. Let your doctor know if you have asthma, muscle or nerve problems, liver or kidney diseases, sulphite allergy, and Parkinson's disease. Kanamycin is not recommended for pregnant women since it may harm the unborn baby. Breastfeeding women should use Kanamycin with proper consultation and caution. Kanamycin may make you feel dizzy; hence drive only when you are mentally alert.
Uses of Kanamycin
Medicinal Benefits
Kanamycin treats severe bacterial infections and tuberculosis by killing and preventing the growth of bacteria. It consists of 'Kanamycin,' which is an aminoglycoside antibiotic. It is bactericidal and prevents the synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Kanamycin
- Hearing loss
- Dizziness
- Loss of balance
- Pain at the injection site
- Rash
- Peripheral neuropathy
Drug Warnings
Before taking Kanamycin, let your doctor know if you have asthma, muscle (myasthenia gravis) problems, nerve problems, liver or kidney diseases, sulphite allergy, and Parkinson's disease. Kanamycin is not recommended for pregnant women since it may harm the unborn baby. Breastfeeding women should use Kanamycin with proper consultation and caution. Kanamycin may make you feel dizzy; hence drive only when you are mentally alert. It is advised to avoid alcohol consumption to prevent the worsening of side effects. Complete the course strictly as suggested by the doctor, even if you feel better, to avoid disease recurrence.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Kanamycin may interact with muscle problems treating drugs (Ataluren), muscle relaxants (Alcuronium), general anaesthetics (Vecuronium), water pills (Furosemide), and fluid retention treating drugs (bumetanide).
Drug-Food Interaction: Follow your doctor's advice on the foods and drinks that can be consumed.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Before taking Kanamycin, let your doctor know if you have asthma, muscle (myasthenia gravis) problems, nerve problems, liver or kidney diseases, sulphite allergy, and Parkinson's disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is recommended to avoid or limit the alcohol intake while using Kanamycin.
Pregnancy
unsafeKanamycin is not recommended and is unsafe to use during pregnancy since it affects the baby. Please consult your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant or already pregnant before starting Kanamycin.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not known if Kanamycin affects breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor before taking Kanamycin if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
unsafeKanamycin may you to feel dizzy that can alter your ability to drive. Drive or operate machinery only when you are mentally alert.
Liver
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases before taking Kanamycin. Dose adjustment may be required.
Kidney
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases before taking Kanamycin. Dose adjustments may be required. Regular kidney function monitoring is advised in patients with severe kidney diseases.
Children
cautionKanamycin should be used in children only when prescribed by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat natural and healthy foods by cutting down on high on sodium processed foods.
- Exercise regularly to maintain good heart health.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol intake.
- Avoid stress triggers and make time for yourself to relax and do activities that you enjoy.
- Try to include heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acids containing food drinks in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oil like olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil.
- Limit sodium chloride intake (table salt) in your daily diet to 2300 mg per day or less than 1500 mg is ideal for most adults.
Special Advise
Your doctor may advise blood, urine, hearing, and nerve tests to check for unwanted effects.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infection occurs when harmful bacteria grow in the body and causes infection. It can infect any part of the body and multiply very quickly. Bacteria occur in three basic shapes: spherical, rod and spiral-shaped. Bacteria may be gram-positive (have thick cell wall) or gram-negative (do not have a cell wall). Some common symptoms of a bacterial infection include cough, fever and tiredness.
Tuberculosis (TB): Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs, but it could also spread to other body parts such as the kidneys, brain, spine, and bone marrow. Tuberculosis is caused by a bacteria named Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Symptoms include a cough that lasts for a few weeks, pain while coughing or normal breathing, unexplained fatigue, fever, night sweats, and loss of appetite and weight.
FAQs
Kanamycin consists of Kanamycin, an antibiotic that prevents the growth of bacteria. Thus, it effectively treats bacterial infections and tuberculosis.
Kanamycin should be used with proper caution and doctor consultation if you have asthma, muscle (myasthenia gravis) problems, nerve problems, liver or kidney diseases, sulphite allergy, and Parkinson's disease. Please inform your doctor in advance if you have any other medical concerns.
Do not stop using Kanamycin even if you feel better until the doctor's advised course is finished.
Kanamycin is usually given for a shorter period of 7-10 days. However, your doctor will decide the dosage and duration based on your medical condition.
While using Kanamycin, if you experience any itching, skin rash, hoarseness (abnormal voice changes), shortness of breath, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, and swelling of hands, face, or mouth, please stop using the medicine and seek medical advice promptly.
Kanamycin is safe when used as per the dose and duration advised by a doctor.
Kanamycin should be administered by a healthcare professional. The dosage of Kanamycin may vary based on your condition and the severity of the infection. Do not self-administer.
You are not advised to take higher than recommended doses as Kanamycin may increase the risk of serious side effects and toxicity. If your symptoms worsen and are not relieved by the recommended dose, consult your doctor for re-evaluation.
Store Kanamycin in a cool and dry place below 30°C. Protect from light and keep it out of reach of children. Kanamycin should be disposed, by following local guidelines or asking your pharmacist on how to properly dispose of any unused medicine.
Inform your doctor if your symptoms are not relieved after completing the entire course of Kanamycin. If you notice any undesirable effects that bother you while taking Kanamycin, consult your doctor.
Kanamycin causes side effects such as dizziness, loss of balance, pain at the injection site, rash, and hearing loss. However, these side effects do not require any medical attention, as they will gradually reduce over time. Please, contact a doctor if these side effects persist for longer durations.
