The Basics
What is Amikacin?
Used to treat severe or serious bacterial infections.
Brand names for Amikacin
Amikin
How Amikacin is classified
Antibacterial Agents, Anti-infective Agents, Aminoglycosides
Amikacin During Pregnancy
Amikacin pregnancy category
Category Note that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Amikacin while pregnant
N/A
Taking Amikacin While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Amikacin?
Amikacin is poorly excreted into breastmilk. Newborn infants apparently absorb small amounts of other aminoglycosides, but serum levels with typical three times daily dosages are far below those attained when treating newborn infections and systemic effects of amikacin are unlikely. Older infants would be expected to absorb even less amikacin. Because there is little variability in the milk amikacin levels during multiple daily dose regimens, timing breastfeeding with respect to the dose is of little or no benefit in reducing infant exposure. Data are not available with single daily dose regimens. Monitor the infant for possible effects on the gastrointestinal flora, such as diarrhea, candidiasis (e.g., thrush, diaper rash) or rarely, blood in the stool indicating possible antibiotic-associated colitis.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Amikacin is poorly excreted into breastmilk. Newborn infants apparently absorb small amounts of other aminoglycosides, but serum levels with typical three times daily dosages are far below those attained when treating newborn infections and systemic effects of amikacin are unlikely. Older infants would be expected to absorb even less amikacin. Because there is little variability in the milk amikacin levels during multiple daily dose regimens, timing breastfeeding with respect to the dose is of little or no benefit in reducing infant exposure. Data are not available with single daily dose regimens. Monitor the infant for possible effects on the gastrointestinal flora, such as diarrhea, candidiasis (e.g., thrush, diaper rash) or rarely, blood in the stool indicating possible antibiotic-associated colitis.
Possible effects of Amikacin on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Amikacin
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Matsuda S, Mori S, Tanno M, Kashiwagura T. [Evaluation of amikacin in the obstetric and gynecologic field]. Jpn J Antibiot. 1974;27:633-6. PMID: 4617009
2. Yuasa M. Evaluation of amikacin in gynecological and obstetric field. Jpn J Antibiot. 1974;27:377-81. PMID: 4612187
3. Matsuda S. Transfer of antibiotics into maternal milk. Biol Res Pregnancy Perinatol. 1984;5:57-60. PMID: 6743732
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.