Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Kantrex

Generic Name: kanamycin (Pronunciation: KAN a MYE sin)

• What is kanamycin (Kantrex)?
• What are the possible side effects of kanamycin (Kantrex)?
• What is the most important information I should know about kanamycin (Kantrex)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before using kanamycin (Kantrex)?
• How is kanamycin given (Kantrex)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Kantrex)?
• What happens if I overdose (Kantrex)?
• What should I avoid while using kanamycin (Kantrex)?
• What other drugs will affect kanamycin (Kantrex)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is kanamycin (Kantrex)?

Kanamycin is in a group of drugs called aminoglycosides (a-MEEN-oh-GLY-koe-sides). It fights bacteria in the body.

Kanamycin is used to treat serious infections caused by bacteria.

Kanamycin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of kanamycin (Kantrex)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using kanamycin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• changes in your hearing;
• spinning sensation, problems with balance;
• ringing or roaring sound in your ears;
• numbness or tingling of your skin;
• muscle twitching, seizure (convulsions); or
• urinating less than usual or not at all.

Less serious side effects may include:

• pain or irritation where the injection was given;
• mild skin rash;
• headache;
• fever; or
• nausea, vomiting.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about kanamycin (Kantrex)?

Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to kanamycin or any other type of aminoglycoside, including amikacin (Amikin), gentamicin (Garamycin), neomycin (Mycifradin, Neo-Fradin, (Neo-Tab), netilmicin (Netromycin), paromomycin (Humatin, Paromycin), streptomycin, or tobramycin (Nebcin, Tobi).

Before using kanamycin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney disease, asthma or sulfite allergy, or a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your kidney function will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your hearing may also need to be checked. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Kanamycin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Stop using this medicine if you have a serious side effect such as hearing loss, ringing in your ears, spinning sensation, problems with balance, numbness or tingling, muscle twitching, seizure (convulsions), or urinating less than usual or not at all.

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