Amikacin Dosage and Administration
Introduction to Amikacin Dosage
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a standard dose of 15 mg/kg/day for adults, which can be administered as a single dose or divided into 2-3 equal doses (7.5 mg/kg every 12 hours or 5 mg/kg every 8 hours) 1
- For patients over 59 years old, the dose should be reduced to 10 mg/kg/day (750 mg) 1, 2
Dosage in Special Populations
- In patients with renal impairment, the dosing frequency should be reduced (every 2-3 days, 12-15 mg/kg) 1, 3
- For hemodialysis patients, the drug should be administered after dialysis 1, 2
- In obese patients, the dose should be adjusted using ideal body weight + 40% of excess weight 6
Monitoring and Safety
- The target trough level is <5 mg/L, and the target peak level is 25-35 mg/L (daily dosing) or 65-80 mg/L (three times a week dosing) 6
- Peak serum levels should be measured within the first week, and trough levels should be measured weekly for 4 weeks, then every 2 weeks when stable 6
- Ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity are potential side effects, and patients should be monitored regularly for these adverse effects 1, 2