kanamycin

Kanamycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic primarily used to treat serious bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms. It is most commonly administered as its sulfate salt and can be given orally, intravenously, or intramuscularly. Kanamycin was originally isolated from the bacterium Streptomyces kanamyceticus. Its mechanism of action involves binding to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, causing misreading of mRNA and inhibiting protein synthesis—ultimately leading to bacterial cell death. Kanamycin is especially effective against aerobic Gram-negative bacteria (such as Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Enterobacter) and some mycobacteria including Mycobacterium tuberculosis; it may also be used for certain Gram-positive infections when other antibiotics are ineffective[1][2][5]. Due to potential toxicity (notably nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity), its use is generally reserved for severe infections where alternative treatments are unsuitable[1][7].

Brand names

Kantrex

Other names

kanamycin sulfatekanamycin Bkanamycin C