Amikacin trough
To avoid dangerous side effects from this medication, amikacin must be closely monitored.
Amikacin trough Overview
Amikacin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat serious (often hospital-acquired) infections caused by resistant, aerobic gram-negative bacilli. Trough level is monitored mainly to avoid toxicity. Trough level is taken 30 minutes prior to the next dose, after steady state has been reached (after 3rd dose).
Amikacin trough is measured in micrograms/milliliters (mcg/ml).
The recommended amikacin trough is less than or equal to 8 mcg/ml.
Technique
Blood draw
Preparation
No preparation needed, but timing of the sample for testing is important.
Follow your doctor's directions.
What the results mean
Aminoglycosides may accumulate in the kidneys, increasing the risk of nephrotoxicity (kidney damage). This may relate to the amount of time amikacin trough levels are > 8 mcg/ml. Higher than normal trough values indicate an increased risk for nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.
