On this page
Amikacin Sulfate
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC DirectoryForms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Aminoglycoside Antibacterial [EPC] | EPC | All 66 members |
| Aminoglycosides [CS] | CS | All 66 members |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 204040-001 | AMIKACIN SULFATE | INJECTABLE | AMIKACIN SULFATE | Prescription | AP | RS |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated (parenteral aqueous solutions)
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 21 | Labeling | Approved | February 10, 2023 | Standard |
| Supplement | 14 | Labeling | Approved | December 13, 2019 | Standard |
| Supplement | 10 | Labeling | Approved | December 13, 2019 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5 | Labeling | Approved | December 13, 2019 | Standard |
| Supplement | 1 | Labeling | Approved | June 14, 2015 | Standard |
| Original application | 1 | Approved | December 12, 2013 | — |
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260727). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Boxed Warning
openFDA Drug LabelingBOXED WARNINGS Patients treated with parenteral aminoglycosides should be under close clinical observation because of the potential ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity associated with their use. Safety for treatment periods which are longer than 14 days has not been established. Neurotoxicity, manifested as vestibular and permanent bilateral auditory ototoxicity, can occur in patients with pre-existing renal damage and in patients with normal renal function treated at higher doses and/or for periods longer than those recommended. The risk of aminoglycoside- induced ototoxicity is greater in patients with renal damage. High frequency deafness usually occurs first and can be detected only by audiometric testing. Vertigo may occur and may be evidence of vestibular injury. Other manifestations of neurotoxicity may include numbness, skin tingling, muscle twitching and convulsions. The risk of hearing loss due to aminoglycosides increases with the degree of exposure to either high peak or high trough serum concentrations. Patients developing cochlear damage may not have symptoms during therapy to warn them of developing eighth-nerve toxicity, and total or partial irreversible bilateral deafness may occur after the drug has been discontinued. Aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity is usually irreversible. Aminoglycosides are potentially nephrotoxic. The risk of nephrotoxicity is greater in patients with impaired renal function and in those who receive high doses or prolonged therapy. Neuromuscular blockade and respiratory paralysis have been reported following parenteral injection, topical instillation (as in orthopedic and abdominal irrigation or in local treatment of empyema), and following oral use of aminoglycosides. The possibility of these phenomena should be considered if aminoglycosides are administered by any route, especially in patients receiving anesthetics, neuromuscular blocking agents such as tubocurarine, succinylcholine, decamethonium, or in patients receiving massive transfusions of citrate-anticoagulated blood. If blockage occurs, calcium salts may reverse these phenomena, but mechanical respiratory assistance may be necessary. Renal and eighth-nerve function should be closely monitored especially in patients with known or suspected renal impairment at the onset of therapy and also in those whose renal function is initially normal but who develop signs of renal dysfunction during therapy. Serum concentrations of amikacin should be monitored when feasible to assure adequate levels and to avoid potentially toxic levels and prolonged peak concentrations above 35 micrograms per mL. Urine should be examined for decreased specific gravity, increased excretion of proteins, and the presence of cells or casts. Blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, or creatinine clearance should be measured periodically. Serial audiograms should be obtained where feasible in patients old enough to be tested, particularly high risk patients. Evidence of ototoxicity (dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus, roaring in the ears, and hearing loss) or nephrotoxicity requires discontinuation of the drug or dosage adjustment. Concurrent and/or sequential systemic, oral or topical use of other neurotoxic or nephrotoxic products, particularly bacitracin, cisplatin, amphotericin B, cephaloridine, paromomycin, viomycin, polymyxin B, colistin, vancomycin, or other aminoglycosides should be avoided. Other factors that may increase risk of toxicity are advanced age and dehydration. The concurrent use of amikacin with potent diuretics (ethacrynic acid, or furosemide) should be avoided since diuretics by themselves may cause ototoxicity. In addition, when administered intravenously, diuretics may enhance aminoglycoside toxicity by altering antibiotic concentrations in serum and tissue.
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug LabelingINDICATIONS AND USAGE Amikacin Sulfate Injection, USP is indicated in the short-term treatment of serious infections due to susceptible strains of Gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas species, Escherichia coli , species of indole-positive and indole-negative Proteus , Providencia species, Klebsiella-Enterobacter-Serratia species, and Acinetobacter ( Mima-Herellea ) species. Clinical studies have shown Amikacin Sulfate Injection, USP to be effective in bacterial septicemia (including neonatal sepsis); in serious infections of the respiratory tract, bones and joints, central nervous system (including meningitis) and skin and soft tissue; intra-abdominal infections (including peritonitis); and in burns and postoperative infections (including post-vascular surgery). Clinical studies have shown amikacin also to be effective in serious complicated and recurrent urinary tract infections due to those organisms. Aminoglycosides, including Amikacin Sulfate Injection, USP are not indicated in uncomplicated initial episodes of urinary tract infections unless the causative organisms are not susceptible to antibiotics having less potential toxicity. Bacteriologic studies should be performed to identify causative organisms and their susceptibilities to amikacin. Amikacin may be considered as initial therapy in suspected Gram-negative infections and therapy may be instituted before obtaining the results of susceptibility testing. Clinical trials demonstrated that amikacin was effective in infections caused by gentamicin and/or tobramycin-resistant strains of Gram-negative organisms, particularly Proteus rettgeri , Providencia stuartii , Serratia marcescens , and Pseudomonas aeruginosa . The decision to continue therapy with the drug should be based on results of the susceptibility tests, the severity of the infection, the response of the patient and the important additional considerations contained in the WARNINGS box above. Amikacin has also been shown to be effective in staphylococci infections and may be considered as initial therapy under certain conditions in the treatment of known or suspected staphylococcal disease such as, severe infections where the causative organism may be either a Gram-negative bacterium or a staphylococcus, infections due to susceptible strains of staphylococci in patients allergic to other antibiotics, and in mixed staphylococci/Gram-negative infections. In certain severe infections such as neonatal sepsis, concomitant therapy with a penicillin-type drug may be indicated because of the possibility of infections due to Gram-positive organisms such as streptococci or pneumococci. To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of amikacin and other antibacterial drugs, amikacin should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug LabelingDOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The patient's pretreatment body weight should be obtained for calculation of correct dosage. Amikacin Sulfate Injection USP may be given intramuscularly or intravenously. The status of renal function should be estimated by measurement of the serum creatinine concentration or calculation of the endogenous creatinine clearance rate. The blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is much less reliable for this purpose. Reassessment of renal function should be made periodically during therapy. Whenever possible, amikacin concentrations in serum should be measured to assure adequate but not excessive levels. It is desirable to measure both peak and trough serum concentrations intermittently during therapy. Peak concentrations (30 to 90 minutes after injection) above 35 micrograms per mL and trough concentrations (just prior to the next dose) above 10 micrograms per mL should be avoided. Dosage should be adjusted as indicated. Since the vials are for single-dose only, any unused portion remaining in the vial should be discarded. Intramuscular Administration for Patients with Normal Renal Function The recommended dosage for adults, children and older infants (see WARNINGS box) with normal renal function is 15 mg/kg/day divided into 2 or 3 equal doses administered at equally-divided intervals, i.e., 7.5 mg/kg q12h or 5 mg/kg q8h. Treatment of patients in the heavier weight classes should not exceed 1.5 gram/day. When amikacin is indicated in newborns (see WARNINGS box), it is recommended that a loading dose of 10 mg/kg be administered initially to be followed with 7.5 mg/kg every 12 hours. The usual duration of treatment is 7 to 10 days. It is desirable to limit the duration of treatment to short term whenever feasible. The total daily dose by all routes of administration should not exceed 15 mg/kg/day. In difficult and complicated infections where treatment beyond 10 days is considered, the use of amikacin should be reevaluated. If continued, amikacin serum levels, and renal, auditory, and vestibular functions should be monitored. At the recommended dosage level, uncomplicated infections due to amikacin-sensitive organisms should respond in 24 to 48 hours. If definite clinical response does not occur within 3 to 5 days, therapy should be stopped and the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the invading organism should be rechecked. Failure of the infection to respond may be due to resistance of the organism or to the presence of septic foci requiring surgical drainage. When amikacin is indicated in uncomplicated urinary tract infections, a dose of 250 mg twice daily may be used. DOSAGE GUIDELINES ADULTS AND CHILDREN WITH NORMAL RENAL FUNCTION Patient Weight Dosage lbs kg 7.5 mg/kg 5 mg/kg q12h OR q8h 99 45 337.5 mg 225 mg 110 50 375 mg 250 mg 121 55 412.5 mg 275 mg 132 60 450 mg 300 mg 143 65 487.5 mg 325 mg 154 70 525 mg 350 mg 165 75 562.5 mg 375 mg 176 80 600 mg 400 mg 187 85 637.5 mg 425 mg 198 90 675 mg 450 mg 209 95 712.5 mg 475 mg 220 100 750 mg 500 mg Intramuscular Administration for Patients with Impaired Renal Function Whenever possible, serum amikacin concentrations should be monitored by appropriate assay procedures. Doses may be adjusted in patients with impaired renal function either by administering normal doses at prolonged intervals or by administering reduced doses at a fixed interval. Both methods are based on the patient's creatinine clearance or serum creatinine values since these have been found to correlate with aminoglycoside half-lives in patients with diminished renal function. These dosage schedules must be used in conjunction with careful clinical and laboratory observations of the patient and should be modified as necessary. Neither method should be used when dialysis is being performed. Normal Dosage at Prolonged Intervals If the creatinine clearance rate is not available and the patient's condition is stable, a dosage interval in hours for the normal dose can be calculated by multiplying the pa …
Contraindications
openFDA Drug LabelingCONTRAINDICATIONS: A history of hypersensitivity to amikacin is a contraindication for its use. A history of hypersensitivity or serious toxic reactions to aminoglycosides may contraindicate the use of any other aminoglycoside because of the known cross-sensitivities of patients to drugs in this class.
Warnings
openFDA Drug LabelingWARNINGS See WARNINGS box above. Aminoglycosides can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Aminoglycosides cross the placenta and there have been several reports of total irreversible, bilateral congenital deafness in children whose mothers received streptomycin during pregnancy. Although serious side effects to the fetus or newborns have not been reported in the treatment of pregnant women with other aminoglycosides, the potential for harm exists. Reproduction studies of amikacin have been performed in rats and mice and revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to amikacin. There are no well controlled studies in pregnant women, but investigational experience does not include any positive evidence of adverse effects to the fetus. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. Contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown and probably low. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than nonasthmatic people. Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including Amikacin Sulfate Injection, USP, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile . C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents. If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibiotic treatment of C. difficile , and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated. Risk of Ototoxicity Due to Mitochondrial DNA Variants Cases of ototoxicity with aminoglycosides have been observed in patients with certain variants in the mitochondrially encoded 12S rRNA gene ( MT-RNR1 ), particularly the m. 1555A>G variant. Ototoxicity occurred in some patients even when their aminoglycoside serum levels were within the recommended range. Mitochondrial DNA variants are present in less than 1% of the general US population, and the proportion of the variant carriers who may develop ototoxicity as well as the severity of ototoxicity is unknown. In case of known maternal history of ototoxicity due to aminoglycoside use or a known mitochondrial DNA variant in the patient, consider alternative treatments other than aminoglycosides unless the increased risk of permanent hearing loss is outweighed by the severity of infection and lack of safe and effective alternative therapies.
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug LabelingADVERSE REACTIONS All aminoglycosides have the potential to induce auditory, vestibular, and renal toxicity and neuromuscular blockade (see WARNINGS box). They occur more frequently in patients with present or past history of renal impairment, of treatment with other ototoxic or nephrotoxic drugs, and in patients treated for longer periods and/or with higher doses than recommended. Neurotoxicity-Ototoxicity Toxic effects on the eighth cranial nerve can result in hearing loss, loss of balance, or both. Amikacin primarily affects auditory function. Cochlear damage includes high frequency deafness and usually occurs before clinical hearing loss can be detected. Neurotoxicity-Neuromuscular Blockade Acute muscular paralysis and apnea can occur following treatment with aminoglycoside drugs. Nephrotoxicity Elevation of serum creatinine, albuminuria, presence of red and white cells, casts, azotemia, and oliguria have been reported. Renal function changes are usually reversible when the drug is discontinued. As would be expected with any aminoglycoside, reports of toxic nephropathy and acute renal failure have been received during postmarketing surveillance. Other In addition to those described above, other adverse reactions which have been reported on rare occasions are skin rash, drug fever, headache, paresthesia, tremor, nausea and vomiting, eosinophilia, arthralgia, anemia, hypotension anemia, hypotension and hypomagnesemia. Macular infarction sometimes leading to permanent loss of vision has been reported following intravitreous administration (injection into the eye) of amikacin. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Sagent Pharmaceuticals at 1-866-625-1618 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug LabelingMechanism of Action Amikacin, an aminoglycoside, binds to the prokaryotic ribosome, inhibiting protein synthesis in susceptible bacteria. It is bactericidal in vitro against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Description
openFDA Drug LabelingDESCRIPTION Amikacin Sulfate Injection, USP is semi-synthetic aminoglycoside antibiotic derived from kanamycin. It is C 22 H 43 N 5 O 13 •2H 2 SO 4 • O -3-amino-3-deoxy-α-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)- O -[6-amino-6-deoxy-α-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)]- N 3 -(4-amino-L-2-hydroxybutyryl)-2-deoxy-L-streptamine sulfate (1:2) M.W. 585.61 The dosage form is supplied as a sterile, colorless to light straw colored solution for intramuscular or intravenous use. The 500 mg per 2 mL vial and 1 gram per 4 mL vial contains per each mL: 250 mg Amikacin (as the Amikacin sulfate USP), 0.66% sodium metabisulfite as an antioxidant, 2.5% sodium citrate dihydrate as a buffering agent with pH adjusted to 4.5 with sulfuric acid. structure
Overdosage
openFDA Drug LabelingOVERDOSAGE: In the event of overdosage or toxic reaction, peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis will aid in the removal of amikacin from the blood. In the newborn infant, exchange transfusion may also be considered.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug LabelingHOW SUPPLIED Amikacin Sulfate Injection USP is supplied as a clear colorless to light straw colored solution which requires no refrigeration. At times the solution may become a very pale yellow; this does not indicate a decrease in potency. Amikacin Sulfate Injection, USP Strength NDC Packing configuration 500 mg per 2 mL 23155-785-41 10 Single-Dose Vials (NDC 23155-785-31) in a carton 1 gram per 4 mL 23155-786-41 10 Single-Dose Vials (NDC 23155-786-31) in a carton Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE EVENTS, contact Avet Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-866-901-DRUG (3784) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. Manufactured by: Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Sanand, Ahmedabad – 382110, India. Manufactured for: Avet Pharmaceuticals Inc. East Brunswick, NJ 08816 1.866.901.DRUG (3784) Revised: 03/2023 nova logo
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: AMIKACIN SULFATE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Recalls
Source: FDA Enforcement| Classification | Reported | Firm | Reason | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class I | June 19, 2019 | Heritage Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | Non-Sterility:Microbial growth detected in sub lot of Amikacin Sulfate Injection, USP 1gm/4 mL (250mg/mL) and Prochlorperazine Edisylate Injection, USP 10mg/2mL (5mg/mL) . | Terminated |
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 63323-815-02 | 63323-815 | Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC | 10 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE in 1 CARTON (63323-815-02) / 2 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE (63323-815-21) | December 9, 2015 |
| 63323-815-04 | 63323-815 | Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC | 10 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE in 1 CARTON (63323-815-04) / 4 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE (63323-815-22) | December 9, 2015 |
| 23155-290-41 | 23155-290 | Heritage Pharmaceuticals Inc. d/b/a Avet Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 10 VIAL, GLASS in 1 CARTON (23155-290-41) / 2 mL in 1 VIAL, GLASS (23155-290-31) | December 24, 2013 |
| 23155-290-42 | 23155-290 | Heritage Pharmaceuticals Inc. d/b/a Avet Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 10 VIAL, GLASS in 1 CARTON (23155-290-42) / 4 mL in 1 VIAL, GLASS (23155-290-32) | December 24, 2013 |
| 23155-785-41 | 23155-785 | Heritage Pharmaceuticals Inc. d/b/a Avet Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 10 VIAL, GLASS in 1 CARTON (23155-785-41) / 2 mL in 1 VIAL, GLASS (23155-785-31) | December 15, 2020 |
| 23155-786-41 | 23155-786 | Heritage Pharmaceuticals Inc. d/b/a Avet Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 10 VIAL, GLASS in 1 CARTON (23155-786-41) / 4 mL in 1 VIAL, GLASS (23155-786-31) | December 15, 2020 |
| 67184-0569-2 | 67184-0569 | Qilu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | 10 VIAL, GLASS in 1 CARTON (67184-0569-2) / 2 mL in 1 VIAL, GLASS (67184-0569-1) | March 19, 2024 |
| 67184-0570-2 | 67184-0570 | Qilu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | 10 VIAL, GLASS in 1 CARTON (67184-0570-2) / 4 mL in 1 VIAL, GLASS (67184-0570-1) | March 19, 2024 |
| 25021-173-02 | 25021-173 | Sagent Pharmaceuticals | 10 VIAL in 1 CARTON (25021-173-02) / 2 mL in 1 VIAL | June 15, 2016 |
| 25021-173-04 | 25021-173 | Sagent Pharmaceuticals | 10 VIAL in 1 CARTON (25021-173-04) / 4 mL in 1 VIAL | June 15, 2016 |
| 63323-815 | 63323-815 | Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC | — | December 9, 2015 |
| 23155-290 | 23155-290 | Heritage Pharmaceuticals Inc. d/b/a Avet Pharmaceuticals Inc. | — | December 24, 2013 |
| 23155-785 | 23155-785 | Heritage Pharmaceuticals Inc. d/b/a Avet Pharmaceuticals Inc. | — | December 15, 2020 |
| 23155-786 | 23155-786 | Heritage Pharmaceuticals Inc. d/b/a Avet Pharmaceuticals Inc. | — | December 15, 2020 |
| 67184-0569 | 67184-0569 | Qilu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | — | March 19, 2024 |
| 67184-0570 | 67184-0570 | Qilu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | — | March 19, 2024 |
| 25021-173 | 25021-173 | Sagent Pharmaceuticals | — | June 15, 2016 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
| Enforcement | FDA | Recall records |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 13 sections on this page.