Aminoglycoside Antibiotic

Generic and Trade Names:

Amikacin			Amikin
Gentamicin		Garamycin
Kanamycin Sulfate		Kantrex, Klebcil
Neomycin			Neomycin, Audicort, Polybactrin, Tribiotic, Cicatrin
Netilmicin		Netromycin
Paromomycin		Humatin
Streptomycin		Streptomycin
Tobramycin		Nebcin

Description:

Aminoglycoside antibiotics form a class of antimicrobial agents (antibiotics) which are generally more effective against gram-negative bacteria. These agents inhibit the bacteria from producing necessary proteins, or distorting those proteins. These agents work in an alkaline medium. (Facts and Comparisons 1999)

Neomycin is often used in topical combination formulas with complementary antibiotics e.g. bacitracin.

These are very versatile products and may be used for the ears (Audicort), wound healing, and infections in a variety of forms e.g. ointment, powder or tablets.

Nutritional Considerations:

Take plenty of fluids, unless otherwise directed. (Facts and Comparisons 1999)

Neomycin, Kanamycin, Paromomycin and others can cause malabsorption of some vitamins, for example, vitamin K. (Facts and Comparisons 1999) (Brinker 1998)(Cummings 1997)(Lipsky 1988)

Prolonged use of antibiotics may cause bacterial or fungal overgrowth, called superinfections. (Facts and Comparisons 1999) Take appropriate precautions to prevent this condition (Probiotics).

Possible vitamin deficiencies include:
Vitamin A, vitamin B-2, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, vitamin D and vitamin K. (Brinker 1998)

Possible mineral deficiencies include:
Calcium, iron, potassium. (Brinker 1998)

Biotin, Inositol, Lactobacillus acidophilus, most B vitamins may be depleted. (Cummings 1997)(Stevens 1998)(Noda 1994)

Stomatitis, increased salivation, anorexia, weight loss. (Pronsky 1999)

Electrolytes (especially calcium, magnesium and potassium absorption may be lowered.) (Brinker 1998)(Facts and Comparisons 1999)(Watson 1983)

Herbal Considerations:

Onion plant's ability to inhibit thrombocyte aggregation may interact with aminoglycosides to further increase bleeding times in susceptible individuals. (Facts and Comparisons 1999) (Blumenthal 1998)

References

Angel, J.E. 1983. Physicians Desk Reference. Medical Economics Company, Inc. Oradell, New Jersey.

Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.

Brinker,Francis N.D. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 1998

Cummings JH and Macfarlane G. Role of Intestinal Bacteria in Nutrient Metabolism. Jour Parent Enter Nutr, 1997 21(6): 357-65)

Facts and Comparisons, Clinisphere 2.0, Wolters Kluwer Company, 1999.

Goss, T.F. et al: Prospective evaluation of risk factors for antibiotic-associated bleeding in critically ill patients. Pharmacotherapy, 1992, 12: 283-291.

Hill, MJ. Intestinal Flora and Endogenous Vitamin Synthesis. Eur Journal Cancer Prev 1997, 6:S43-5.

Lieberman, S. & Bruning, N.: The Real Vitamin & Mineral Book. Avery, NY.

Lipsky, JJ. Antibiotic Associated Hypoprothrombinemia. J Antimicro Chemo. 1988, 21(3):281-300.

Osol, Arthur. 1980. Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences. Mack Publishing Company, Pennsylvania.

Noda H, Akasaka N, and Ohsugi M, Biotin Production by Bifidobacteria. Jour Nutr Sci Vitaminol, 1994, 40(2):181-8.

Pronsky, Zaneta. Food Medication Interactions. 11th edition. 1999.

Stevens CE ans Hume ID. Contributions of Microbes in Vertebrate Gastrointestinal Tract to Production and Conservation of Nutrients. Physiol Rev, 1998 78(2):393-427.

Watson, A. et al: Severe hypomagnesaemia and hypocalcaemia following gentamicin therapy. Irish Med. J. 1983, 76: 381-383.