Amikacin

Antibiotic injection (aminoglycoside)
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Amikacin is a antibiotic injection (aminoglycoside) found in 1 medicine sold in India, such as Mikacin. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Treats serious bacterial infections; given by injection.

How it works

An aminoglycoside antibiotic injection for serious hospital infections and drug-resistant TB.

How to take it

Given into a vein or muscle by a health professional, with blood level and kidney checks.

Common side effects

  • Pain at injection site
  • Nausea

Get medical help straight away if

  • Hearing changes, ringing in the ears or dizziness
  • Much less urine
  • Muscle weakness

Be careful

Can affect hearing and kidneys; given and monitored by a health professional.

Other medicines and interactions

Kidney and ear damage more likely with furosemide, vancomycin and other aminoglycosides.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Avoided in pregnancy because it can damage the baby's hearing. Little is absorbed by a breastfed baby.

Brands of Amikacin (1)

Mikacin

Common questions

What is Amikacin used for?

Treats serious bacterial infections; given by injection.

How does Amikacin work?

An aminoglycoside antibiotic injection for serious hospital infections and drug-resistant TB.

How should I take Amikacin?

Given into a vein or muscle by a health professional, with blood level and kidney checks.

What are the side effects of Amikacin?

Common: Pain at injection site, nausea. Get help straight away for: Hearing changes, ringing in the ears or dizziness, much less urine, muscle weakness.

Does Amikacin interact with other medicines?

Kidney and ear damage more likely with furosemide, vancomycin and other aminoglycosides.

Is Amikacin safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Avoided in pregnancy because it can damage the baby's hearing. Little is absorbed by a breastfed baby.

Does Amikacin need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Amikacin?

Mikacin.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.