Indications
Kanamycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic. In Bangladesh it is mainly available as an eye ointment or eye drops used to treat bacterial infections of the outer eye, such as bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye with pus), inflammation of the eyelid edges (blepharitis), infected eyelid glands, and infections of the cornea, and sometimes to prevent infection after eye injury or surgery. An injectable form is used only in hospitals for certain serious infections, including some drug resistant tuberculosis.
How It Works
Kanamycin attaches to the ribosomes of bacteria, the parts that make proteins. This causes the bacteria to make faulty proteins and stops them growing, which kills them. It works against many Gram negative bacteria and Staphylococci, but not against viruses or fungi.
Dosage and Administration
Eye ointment: adults and children usually apply a small strip (about 1 cm) inside the lower eyelid several times a day, as directed on the label or by your doctor. Eye drops: usually 1 drop into the affected eye several times a day, as directed. Wash hands before and after use and do not let the tip touch the eye. Continue for the full course, usually up to 7 days, unless told otherwise. The injection is given only by a doctor or nurse in hospital, with the dose as prescribed.
Interactions
With eye use, interactions are unlikely; leave about 5 minutes between different eye drops and use the ointment last. With injections, other medicines that can damage the kidneys or hearing, such as Gentamicin, Vancomycin, Amphotericin B, Cisplatin and strong diuretics like Furosemide, increase the risk of harm, and it can strengthen muscle relaxants used in anaesthesia.
Contraindications
- Allergy to kanamycin or other aminoglycosides such as Gentamicin, Neomycin or Tobramycin.
- Injection: pregnancy, and people with myasthenia gravis, should not receive it unless a specialist decides it is essential.
Side Effects
Eye use: brief stinging or burning, blurred vision after the ointment, redness, itching or swelling of the eyelid (possible allergy). Long use can lead to infection with resistant germs or fungi. Injection: kidney damage, hearing loss, ringing in the ears, dizziness and balance problems, which can be permanent.
Get urgent medical help for swelling of the face, eyelids or throat, difficulty breathing, severe eye pain or loss of vision, or, with injections, any change in hearing, ringing in the ears, dizziness or a big drop in urine output.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Very little is absorbed from eye ointment or drops, so short courses may be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding if a doctor advises. The injection can harm the hearing of an unborn baby and is avoided in pregnancy unless there is no alternative.
Precautions and Warnings
Do not wear contact lenses while using eye treatment for an infection. The ointment blurs vision briefly; do not drive until vision is clear. See a doctor if there is no improvement in 2 to 3 days. Do not share eye products, and discard opened tubes or bottles after the time stated on the pack. Injections need monitoring of kidney function, drug levels and hearing.
Overdose
Overdose from eye use is not expected; using extra ointment may only cause irritation. Injection overdose can damage the kidneys, hearing and balance, and cause breathing muscle weakness; it is treated in hospital, sometimes with dialysis.
Therapeutic Class
Aminoglycoside antibiotic (ophthalmic and injectable)
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Do not freeze. Injections: as directed on the pack.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.