Kanamycin

Uses

Kanamycin is in a group of drugs called aminoglycosides. It fights bacteria in the body. Kanamycin is used to treat serious infections caused by bacteria. Kanamycin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Kanamycin is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Bacterial Infection caused by Acinetobacter species, Bacterial Infection caused by E. coli, Bacterial Infection caused by Enterobacter aerogenes, Bacterial Infection caused by Klebsiella Pneumoniae, Bacterial Infection caused by Proteus species, Bacterial Infection caused by Serratia marcescens

How Kanamycin works

Aminoglycosides like kanamycin "irreversibly" bind to specific 30S-subunit proteins and 16S rRNA. Specifically Kanamycin binds to four nucleotides of 16S rRNA and a single amino acid of protein S12. This interferes with decoding site in the vicinity of nucleotide 1400 in 16S rRNA of 30S subunit. This region interacts with the wobble base in the anticodon of tRNA. This leads to interference with the initiation complex, misreading of mRNA so incorrect amino acids are inserted into the polypeptide leading to nonfunctional or toxic peptides and the breakup of polysomes into nonfunctional monosomes.

Toxicity

Mild and reversible nephrotoxicity may be observed in 5 - 25% of patients. Amikacin accumulates in proximal renal tubular cells. Tubular cell regeneration occurs despite continued drug exposure. Toxicity usually occurs several days following initiation of therapy. May cause irreversible ototoxicity. Otoxocity appears to be correlated to cumulative lifetime exposure. Drug accumulation in the endolymph and perilymph of the inner ear causes irreversible damage to hair cells of the cochlea or summit of ampullar cristae in the vestibular complex. High frequency hearing is lost first with progression leading to loss of low frequency hearing. Further toxicity may lead to retrograde degeneration of the 8th cranial (vestibulocochlear) nerve. Vestibular toxicity may cause vertigo, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and loss of balance. Oral LD50 is 17500 mg/kg in mice, over 4 g/kg in rats, and over 3 g/kg in rabbits.

Food Interaction

Kanamycin Drug Interaction

Moderate: aspirin, aspirinUnknown: sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim, meperidine, meperidine, dexamethasone, dexamethasone, dextran, low molecular weight, dextran, low molecular weight, acetaminophen, acetaminophen, procaine penicillin, procaine penicillin, multivitamin, multivitamin, thiamine, thiamine, riboflavin, riboflavin

Kanamycin Disease Interaction

Major: dehydration, neuromuscular blockade, ototoxicity, renal dysfunction, intestinal obstruction, colitis

Elimination Route

Kanamycin is rapidly absorbed after intramuscular injection and peak serum levels are generally reached within approximately one hour. Poor oral and topical absorption except with severe skin damage.

Half Life

2.5 hours

Innovators Monograph

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