Selected Antimicrobial Information – Equine
Amikacin [Equine]
Restriction Status
Unrestricted
Dose
| Species | Usage | Dose |
|---|---|---|
| Horses |
For susceptible infections or empirical therapy |
|
| For septic arthritis | 20mg/kg IV q24h (extra-label use) | |
| For regional limb perfusion | 500mg to 2g in perfusate (variable volume) (extra-label use) | |
| For uterine infusion | 2g mixed with 200mL sterile 0.9% saline; infused into the uterus q24h for three day (extra-label use) |
Brand Name(s)
Amikin®, Amiglyde-V®
Background
Amikacin is a bactericidal, concentration-dependent aminoglycoside antibiotic with efficacy primarily against Gram-negative aerobic organisms and somewhat less efficacy against Gram-positive aerobes such as Staphylococcus spp. Amikacin is not effective against anaerobic bacteria and often not efficacious against Streptococcus spp. Distribution is throughout the extracellular fluid, and penetration into cells and tissues is poor. Excretion is primarily in urine. There is a significant post-antibiotic effect.
Acceptable Uses
- When used in combination with a β-lactam, provides broad-spectrum coverage for treatment of pleuropneumonia, septic arthritis, or osteomyelitis.
- Treatment of septic arthritis or other localized infections when used in antibiotic-impregnated polymethylacrylate beads, intra-articular injections, or regional limb perfusion.
- Treatment of Gram-negative neonatal sepsis.
- Treatment of metritis when used as a uterine infusion.
- As an alternative to gentamicin.
Unacceptable Uses
- Inactivated in the presence of purulent or necrotic material (e.g. abscesses).
- Treatment of many Gram-positive infections, unless culture-confirmed susceptible Staphylococcus spp. identified.
Formulations Available within the OSU Pharmacy
- Amikacin 1% topical
- Amikacin 250mg/ml injectable suspension
- Amiglyde 50mg/ml intrauterine solution
Notes
- Nephrotoxicity (acute tubular nephrosis) is a significant side effect that can be avoided by following dosing recommendations, minimizing duration of therapy, maintaining hydration status of patient, minimizing concurrent use of nephrotoxic drugs, and seeking alternative antimicrobial treatment in patients with pre-existing renal disease. Therapeutic drug monitoring can help optimize dosing and minimize trough concentration.
