Kanamycin oral (Kantrex)

Category:

  • Antibiotic

Description:

  • Aminoglycoside antibiotic

Indications:

  • Suppression of intestinal bacteria

  • Hepatic coma

Contraindications:

  • Presence of intestinal obstruction

  • Generally not indicated for long-term therapy due to nephrotoxocity and ototoxicity

Precautions:

  • Pregnancy category D

  • May cause nephrotoxicity, therefore closely monitor renal function, especially in elderly patients.

  • May cause ototoxicity, therefore monitor hearing

  • Aminoglycosides have neuromuscular blockade activity with a curare-like effect.  Monitor patient’s neuromuscular function, especially in patients with myasthenia gravis, parkinsonism or infant botulism.

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

  • Gastrointestinal: vomiting, nausea, anorexia

  • “Malabsorption syndrome” characterized by increase in fetal fat, decrease in serum carotene and fall in xylose absorption  

Dosage:

  • Administered orally

  • Suppression of intestinal bacteria:

    • adjunct to mechanical cleansing

    • 1 gram every hour for 4 hours, followed by 1 gram every six hours for 36-72 hours

  • Hepatic coma: 8-12 grams per day in divided doses

Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300  

Gynecology and Obstetrics CD-ROM
Volumes 1-6
2004 Edition
 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Copyright 2004
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