Amikacin Therapy for Serious Gram-Negative Bacillary Infections
- RICHARD D. MEYER, M.D.;
- ROBERT P. LEWIS, M.D.;
- E. DUANE CARMALT, M.D.; and
- SYDNEY M. FINEGOLD, M.D., F.A.C.P.
Abstract
Amikacin is a new aminoglycoside antibiotic pharmacologically similar to kanamycin. It has a wide range of activity against Gram-negative bacilli, including many resistant to gentamicin. Thirty-six serious Gram-negative bacillary infections were treated with amikacin. Twenty-nine patients (80.6%) responded (cured or improved). Twelve of 13 patients with gentamicin-resistant pathogens responded. Minor ototoxicity occurred in 6 patients and was associated with prolonged therapy or previous aminoglycoside therapy. Possible nephrotoxicity with amikacin was found in 6 patients. Amikacin should be used primarily to treat suspected or known gentamicin-resistant pathogens.
Article and Author Information
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▸From the Infectious Disease Section, Medical and Research Services, Veterans Administration, Wadsworth Hospital Center; and the Department of Medicine, U.C.L.A. School of Medicine; Los Angeles, California.
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Grant support: in part by a grant from Bristol Laboratories, Syracuse, New York.
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▸Requests for reprints should be addressed to Richard D. Meyer, M.D., Infectious Disease Section 111F, Wadsworth Hospital Center, Wilshire and Sawtelle Blvds., Los Angeles, CA 90073.
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- Received June 16, 1975.
- Accepted September 5, 1975.
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