Amikater is a brand name for amikacin. It is a prescription drug which belongs to the class of medication known as an aminoglycoside antibiotic. It is a broad spectrum antibiotic which is used for the treatment of bacterial infection such as bone, joint, skin, intra-abdominal, pneumonia, and respiratory tract infection. It is used for short-term treatment (7 - 10 days) of bacterial infection in different part of the body. It is also used for the treatment of neonatal sepsis when sensitivity testing indicates that other aminoglycosides cannot be used.

Dr Anjum Mujawar MBBS, MBBS , Emergency Medicine

Amikater is a broad-spectrum antibiotic which is active against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It works by preventing the synthesis of proteins that bacteria need to survive, in the absence of protein synthesis bacteria become vulnerable and dies. It is effective against different types of bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Proteus species, S. aureus, Acinetobacter and Serratia species.

Dr. Abhijit MBBS , General Physician

Do not self-administer Amikater. It comes in the form of injection and given preferably 2 - 3 times in a day (Intravenously). Discontinuing the medicine in between may promote resistant bacteria which result in a relapse of the infection. You are recommended to complete the 7 - 10 days course even after getting symptomatic relief. In case you feel any discomfort such as hearing loss and nephrotoxicity while taking Amikater please inform your doctor immediately. 

Dr. Braj Bhushan Ojha BAMS , Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Ayurveda, Sexology, Diabetology

No, Amikater cannot be taken with penicillin. Because penicillin inactivates the Amikater by combining the beta-lactam ring of penicillin with an amino group of this drug to form amide which is biologically inactive. For this reason Amikater should not be taken with penicillin. The chances of inactivation of this drug are higher in case of renal failure because in this case concentration of penicillin is higher in the kidney for a longer time as compared to the normal renal function. 

Aakash Shah MBBS, MBBS , General Physician

No, Amikater does not cause constipation in patients who are taking it. However, if you are experiencing constipation after taking this drug then inform your doctor and take precautionary methods such as eating fibrous foods to avoid constipation.