Healthopedia.com - Your Health
Encyclopedia

Set Homepage Email Page Favorites      

 
  Home
  Health Centers
  Medical Encyclopedia
  Drugs & Medications
  Diseases & Conditions 
  Medical Symptoms
  Medical Tests & Exams
  Surgery & Procedures 
  Injuries & Wounds
  Diet & Nutrition
  Special Topics
  Pictures & Images      


Google
 
Web Healthopedia.com

You are here : Healthopedia.com > Drugs & Medications > Detailed Drug Information (USP DI) > Aminoglycosides

Aminoglycosides (Systemic)

Description and Brand Names | Before Using | Proper Use | Side Effects


Category
  • Antibacterial, antimycobacterial—Streptomycin
  • Antibacterial, systemic—Amikacin; Gentamicin; Kanamycin; Netilmicin; Streptomycin; Tobramycin
Description

Aminoglycosides (a-mee-noe-GLYE-koe-sides) are used to treat serious bacterial infections. They work by killing bacteria or preventing their growth.

Aminoglycosides are given by injection to treat serious bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. In addition, some aminoglycosides may be given by irrigation (applying a solution of the medicine to the skin or mucous membranes or washing out a body cavity) or by inhalation into the lungs. Streptomycin may also be given for tuberculosis (TB). These medicines may be given with 1 or more other medicines for bacterial infections, or they may be given alone. Aminoglycosides may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. However, aminoglycosides will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.

Aminoglycosides given by injection are usually used for serious bacterial infections for which other medicines may not work. However, aminoglycosides 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 good these medicines may do as well as the risks of receiving them .

Aminoglycosides are to be administered only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor. They are available in the following dosage forms:

    Inhalation
  • Amikacin
    • Inhalation solution (U.S.)
  • Gentamicin
    • Inhalation solution (U.S.)
  • Kanamycin
    • Inhalation solution (U.S.)
  • Tobramycin
    • Inhalation solution (U.S.)
    Irrigation
  • Kanamycin
    • Irrigation solution (U.S.)
    Parenteral
  • Amikacin
    • Injection (U.S. and Canada)
  • Gentamicin
    • Injection (U.S. and Canada)
  • Kanamycin
    • Injection (U.S.)
  • Neomycin
    • Injection (U.S.)
  • Netilmicin
    • Injection (U.S. and Canada)
  • Streptomycin
    • Injection (U.S. and Canada)
  • Tobramycin
    • Injection (U.S. and Canada)

Brand Names

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

  • Amikin 1
  • Garamycin 2
  • G-Mycin 2
  • Jenamicin 2
  • Kantrex 3
  • Nebcin 7
  • Netromycin 5

In Canada—

  • Amikin 1
  • Garamycin 2
  • Nebcin 7
  • Netromycin 5

Note:

For quick reference, the following aminoglycosides are numbered to match the corresponding brand names.

This information applies to the following medicines:
1. Amikacin (am-i-KAY-sin)‡
2. Gentamicin (jen-ta-MYE-sin)‡
3. Kanamycin (kan-a-MYE-sin)†‡
4. Neomycin (nee-oh-MYE-sin)†‡
5. Netilmicin (ne-til-MYE-sin)
6. Streptomycin (strep-toe-MYE-sin)‡§
7. Tobramycin (toe-bra-MYE-sin)‡
† Not commercially available in Canada
‡ Generic name product may be available in the U.S.
§ Generic name product may be available in Canada

   

Next section

   

Aminoglycosides: Before Using

Date Revised: 09/11/2002









Content provided by Thomson MICROMEDEX
Micromedex, Inc. Disclaimer
Copyright © 2006 Thomson MICROMEDEX. All rights reserved. USP DI® and Advice for the Patient® are registered trademarks of USP used under license to Micromedex, a business of Thomson Healthcare Inc. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

Copyright © 2006 Healthopedia.com All Rights reserved.
About Us | Help/FAQ | Privacy Policy | Editorial Policy | Advertising Policy | Accessibility | Terms of Use
Contact Us | Link to Us

HONcode accreditation seal.

We comply with the HONcode standard for health trust worthy information: verify here.


The information provided herein is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. The information should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call your local emergency number for all medical emergencies. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
Page Last Updated: 30th May, 2006