Kanamycin
Kanamycin is an aminoglycoside antibacterial with activity mainly against susceptible aerobic gram-negative bacteria. It is an older agent whose systemic veterinary use has declined as other aminoglycosides have become more common. Parenteral formulations have been used for selected serious infections, while oral exposure acts primarily within the gastrointestinal tract because absorption is poor.
Group
Aminoglycoside antibacterial
Mechanism of Action
Kanamycin enters susceptible bacteria through processes that include energy-dependent uptake and binds the 30S ribosomal subunit. This disrupts translation and causes misreading of messenger RNA, producing abnormal proteins and impairing bacterial function. Interaction with the gram-negative outer membrane also contributes to membrane disruption. These effects produce concentration-dependent bactericidal activity against susceptible aerobic organisms.
Dose Rates
Dogs
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Susceptible bacterial infection | 20 mg/kg | IV, IM | Every 24 h | Dose expressed as kanamycin activity, supplied as sulfate. |
Cats
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Susceptible bacterial infection | 20 mg/kg | IV, IM | Every 24 h | Dose expressed as kanamycin activity, supplied as sulfate. |
Horses
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Susceptible bacterial infection | 10 mg/kg | IV | Every 24 h |
Indications
- Treatment of selected systemic, urinary tract or other serious infections caused by kanamycin-susceptible aerobic bacteria in dogs, cats and horses, particularly gram-negative infections.
Contraindications
- Kidney disease
- Dehydration
Interactions
- Loop diuretics increase nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.
- High doses with anaesthetic agents may cause neuromuscular blockade.
- Do not mix with other antibiotics in a vial or syringe.
Adverse effects
- Nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity and vestibular dysfunction
Toxicity
Stop treatment and assess renal function, urine output, hearing and vestibular function; support ventilation if neuromuscular weakness occurs.
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kanamycin 200 mg/mL injection Strength expressed as kanamycin activity, supplied as sulfate. | Injection | 200 mg / mL | IV, IM |
| Kanamycin 500 mg/mL injection Strength expressed as kanamycin activity, supplied as sulfate. | Injection | 500 mg / mL | IV, IM |
Monitoring and Administration
Ensure adequate hydration and electrolyte balance. Monitor creatinine, urea and urinalysis.
Avoid routine food-animal use because renal residues can persist for prolonged periods; the reported guidance notes that withdrawal may be as long as 18 months.
Protect from light, do not freeze, and avoid unvalidated compounded mixtures.
For kanamycin sulfate injections, distinguish the stated antibiotic activity from salt mass before converting a dose to injection volume.