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Amikacin

Prescription
Aminoglycoside Antibiotic
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
2 available
Interactions
1 documented
Formulations
1

Mechanism of action

Bactericidal; binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit causing mRNA misreading and protein synthesis inhibition. Concentration-dependent killing. Active against many gram-negative bacteria including those resistant to gentamicin.

At a glance

Class
Aminoglycoside Antibiotic
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store at room temperature 15–30°C; stable for 24h at room temperature after dilution

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Once-daily dosing preferred to reduce nephrotoxicity
Dose
15–30 mg/kg
Route
IV, IM, SQ
Frequency
q24h
🐈

Cat

Cats are highly susceptible to aminoglycoside nephrotoxicity; use lowest effecti
Dose
10–14 mg/kg
Route
IV, IM, SQ
Frequency
q24h
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 1

Strength

Storage

Store at room temperature 15–30°C; stable for 24h at room temperature after dilution

Safety

Monitoring parameters

BUN, creatinine, urinalysis (casts) before and during therapySerum drug levels if availableVestibular signs
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Interactions

Major — 1

Furosemide
major
Furosemide increases aminoglycoside nephro- and ototoxicity by concentrating drug in renal tubules and inner ear.
Management: Avoid concurrent use. If unavoidable, maintain hydration, monitor renal function, and monitor for vestibular signs.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Brands

Other markets

Amiglyde-V
Amikin

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Amikacin?
Amikacin is a aminoglycoside antibiotic used in pets. Bactericidal; binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit causing mRNA misreading and protein synthesis inhibition. Concentration-dependent killing. Active against many gram-negative bacteria including those resistant to gentamicin.
What is Amikacin used for in pets?
Amikacin is used in veterinary medicine for: Once-daily dosing preferred to reduce nephrotoxicity; Cats are highly susceptible to aminoglycoside nephrotoxicity; use lowest effecti.
What is the Amikacin dose for dogs?
For dogs, Amikacin is typically dosed as follows — Once-daily dosing preferred to reduce nephrotoxicity: 15–30 mg/kg IV/IM/SQ q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Amikacin dose for cats?
For cats, Amikacin is typically dosed as follows — Cats are highly susceptible to aminoglycoside nephrotoxicity; use lowest effecti: 10–14 mg/kg IV/IM/SQ q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
Does Amikacin need a prescription?
Yes. Amikacin is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Aminoglycoside Antibiotic).

Gentamicin
Rx
Binds irreversibly to the 30S ribosomal subunit, causing misreading of mRNA and bactericidal activity against gram-negative aerobes
dogcat
Gentamicin (Systemic)
Rx
Bactericidal; binds 30S ribosomal subunit causing mRNA misreading and protein synthesis inhibition. Concentration-dependent killing with significant post-antibiotic effect. Active against aerobic gram-negative bacteria including Pseudomonas.
dogcat
Neomycin
Rx
Bactericidal antibiotic that binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit, causing misreading of mRNA and inhibiting protein synthesis. Poorly absorbed from the GI tract after oral administration.
dogcat
Paromomycin
Rx
Aminoglycoside antibiotic poorly absorbed from GI tract, providing luminal antimicrobial activity against intestinal protozoa and bacteria. Binds 30S ribosomal subunit causing protein synthesis errors. Active against Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and Entamoeba.
dogcat
Tobramycin
Rx
Binds irreversibly to the 30S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis; concentration-dependent bactericidal activity, particularly effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
dogcat
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