Treats infections. Belongs to a class of drugs called aminoglycoside antibiotics.

Brand Name(s):Amikin Pediatric, Amikin,Amikacine, Amikin, Amicin, Amikozit, Biklin, Likacin, Miacin, Selemycin.

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When Amikacin Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to amikacin or any other aminoglycoside antibiotic such as Garamycin® or Nebcin®.

How to Use Amikacin:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given.
• An IM injection is a shot given in your muscle (upper arm, thigh, buttocks). An IV infusion is medicine that is put directly into your body through one of your veins.
• Amikacin should be given by a person trained to give IV or IM medicine, such as a nurse. Sometimes you, a family member, or friend can be taught to give your medicine.
• If you are receiving IV medicine, check the bag to make sure there are no leaks. Also make sure the solution is clear.

If a dose is missed:

• Amikacin needs to be given on a regular schedule. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, and take the rest of the doses for the day at regularly spaced time intervals.
• If you miss more than one dose, call your doctor for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of Amikacin:

• Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze. Take it out of the refrigerator an hour before the time for your next dose and allow it to warm to room temperature in a clean, dry place.
• If you see particles in the solution, You should not use it.
• If you have your treatments at home, you should be given a special container for the used needles. Keep it where children or pets cannot reach it.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking a diuretic (water pills) or any other antibiotic medicine.

Warnings While Using Amikacin:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease or myasthenia gravis.
• Call your doctor right away if you notice any change in your hearing. Your doctor may want you to have hearing tests while you are taking amikacin.
• If your infection does not improve, or gets worse, while taking this medicine, call your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using Amikacin:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Dizziness or trouble standing
• Ringing in the ears or trouble hearing
• Rash or hives
• Urinating less than one cup in a day
• Severe diarrhea (watery or bloody)
• Swelling of the face, throat, or lips
• Wheezing or trouble breathing
• Swelling, pain, or redness near where your IV needle is placed
• Muscle twitching or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild diarrhea
• Pain where the IM shot was given
• Nausea or upset stomach

Vibramycin (generic name: Doxycycline)

Vibramycin

Treats infections caused by bacteria, and prevents malaria. Vibramycin also treats pimples or bumps on the face caused by a condition
called rosacea. This medicine is a tetracycline antibiotic.

When Vibramycin Should Not Be Used:

You should not use Vibramycin if you have had an allergic reaction to doxycycline or to any tetracycline antibiotic (such as minocycline). Do not
use Vibramycin if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or if
you are breastfeeding. Do not give Vibramycin to children under 8 years
old because it can permanently change tooth color.

How to Use Vibramycin:

Liquid, Capsule, Tablet, Delayed Release Tablet, Long Acting Capsule

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how
  often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor
  tells you to.
• Swallow the medicine with a full glass (8 ounces) of water while
  sitting or standing. Do not lay down right after taking this
  medicine. Doing this may help prevent throat problems.
• It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach. If you take
  this medicine close to meal times, you should take it at least one hour
  before or two hours after your meal.
• Swallow the capsule whole. Do not break, crush, chew, or open
  it.
• Shake the oral liquid well just before each use. Measure the
  oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or
  medicine cup.
• Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you
  feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up
  if you stop using the medicine too soon.
• If you are using this medicine to prevent malaria while traveling,
  start taking the medicine 1 or 2 days before you travel. Take the
  medicine every day during your trip and continue taking it for 4 weeks
  after you return. However, do not use the medicine for longer than 4
  months.
• This medicine is not for long-term use.Do not use this
  medicine for more than 9 months if you are using it for rosacea.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use Vibramycin, use it as soon as
  you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use
  the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make
  up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of Vibramycin:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away
  from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way
  to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your
  treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the
  expiration date has passed.
• Keep Vibramycin away from children and never share your medicine
  with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including
over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using antacids (such as
  Maalox®, Mylanta®, Rolaids®, or Tums®), penicillin antibiotics (such as
  amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, Amoxil®, or Augmentin®),
  Pepto-Bismol®, or certain stomach medicines (such as esomeprazole,
  lansoprazole, omeprazole, Nexium®, Prevacid®, or Prilosec®). Tell your
  doctor if you use a blood thinner such as warfarin or Coumadin®, or
  medicine for seizures such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin,
  Dilantin®, or Tegretol®.
• Tell your doctor if you are also using a medicine to treat pimples
  (acne) such as isotretinoin (Accutane®, Amnesteem®), or a medicine to
  treat psoriasis (a skin problem) such as acitretin (Soriatane®). Make
  sure your doctor knows if you use multivitamins or supplements that
  contain aluminum, calcium, magnesium, or iron.
• Birth control pills may not work while you are using doxycycline. To
  keep from getting pregnant, use another form of birth control such as
  condoms, diaphragm, or contraceptive foam or jelly.

Warnings While Using Vibramycin:

• Using Vibramycin while you are pregnant can harm your unborn
  baby. Vibramycin may also cause birth defects if the father is using
  it when his sexual partner becomes pregnant. If a pregnancy occurs while
  you are using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease, liver
  disease, lupus, asthma, or if you are allergic to sulfites. Tell your
  doctor if you have had surgery on your stomach, or if you have or had a
  yeast or fungus infection in your mouth or vagina.
• If you have severe diarrhea, ask your doctor before taking any
  medicine to stop the diarrhea.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your
  doctor.
• Vibramycin may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a
  sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
• Vibramycin may cause problems with your immune system. Stop
  taking Vibramycin and call your doctor right away if you notice the
  following symptoms: fever, rash, joint pains, and feeling ill. Do not
  restart taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
• If you are using Vibramycin to prevent malaria, take extra care
  not to get bitten by mosquitoes. Use protective clothing, mosquito
  netting or screens, and an insect repellent.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are
  using Vibramycin. You may need to stop using this medicine several
  days before having surgery or medical tests.
• Do not use Vibramycin for any condition or infection that has not
  been checked by a doctor. This medicine will not treat the flu or common
  cold.
• Vibramycin may darken the color of your skin, nails, eyes, teeth,
  gums, or scars. Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while
  you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using Vibramycin

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands,
  swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble
  breathing.
• Diarrhea that may contain blood.
• Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and body
  aches.
• Increased hunger or thirst.
• Trouble swallowing.
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
• Burning, pain, or irritation in your upper stomach, middle chest, or
  throat.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
• Joint pain or back pain.
• Severe headache, dizziness, or changes in vision.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Anxiety.
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, or upset stomach.
• Sores or swelling around your rectum.
• Darkening of your skin, scars, teeth, or gums.
• Dry mouth.
• Mild skin rash or itching.
• Swelling of your tongue.
• Vaginal itching or discharge.
• Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat.