Kanamycin (Injection)

Introduction:

Kanamycin (kan-a-MYE-sin)

Treats infections. This medicine is an antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins. This medicine can also be given as a shot into one of your muscles.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• There are many other medicines that you should not use together with kanamycin. This includes nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using, especially diuretics ("water pills") and other antibiotics.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breast feeding, or if you have kidney disease, Parkinson's disease, or myasthenia gravis. Tell your doctor if you have asthma or other breathing problems, or if you have had an allergic reaction to sulfites (preservatives). Be sure to tell your doctor if you have a history of kidney problems or if you have ever received dialysis.
• This medicine may cause hearing loss. Call your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your hearing or if you have dizziness, nausea, or vomiting.
• Your doctor may want to test your hearing regularly while you are receiving kanamycin. Tell your doctor if you already have hearing problems before you are given this medicine.
• Your doctor will also need to check your blood and urine on a regular basis while you are receiving this medicine. This is to make sure your kidneys are working properly.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
• Eye movements that you cannot control.
• Muscle weakness or twitching.
• Ringing or roaring sounds in your ears.
• Seizures.
• Skin rash, or numbness and tingling.
• Wheezing or breathing problems.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Fever.
• Headache.
• Mild diarrhea.
• Pain where the IM shot was given.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: