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Amikacin is a semisynthetic antibiotic belonging to the aminoglycoside class of drugs. Aminoglycosides are used to treat bacterial diseases. They work by binding to ribosomes within bacterial cells, which inhibits protein synthesis and ultimately leads to bacterial death.1

Amikacin is particularly useful for treating infections that are resistant to other aminoglycosides. Like other aminoglycosides, it is typically administered via intramuscular or intravenous injection because it is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Common toxicities associated with aminoglycosides include kidney and hearing impairment.1

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. aminoglycoside
  2. antibiotic

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