Drugs Five Years Later

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Amikacin, the first semisynthetic aminoglycoside introduced for clinical use, has the widest spectrum of activity of these agents. This paper assesses new data on 2-compartment pharmokinetics, intrathecal use, use of serum assay results, interactions with penicillins, and comparative studies of efficacy and toxicity. Indications for the use of amikacin and its role in the face of bacterial resistance to it or to other aminoglycosides are examined. The need for an agent active against most gram-negative bacilli in empiric therapy for suspected or documented bacteremia indicates the continuing importance of the aminoglycosides and, in immunocompromised patients, of amikacin.
Keywords