Alcomicin: Full Drug Profile
Alcomicin - General Information
A complex of three different closely related aminoglycoside sulfates, Alcomicins C1, C2, and C1(subA), obtained from Micromonospora purpurea and related species. They are broad-spectrum antibiotics, but may cause ear and kidney damage. They act to inhibit protein synthesis (genetic translation).
Pharmacology of Alcomicin
Alcomicin is a broad spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic. Aminoglycosides work by binding to the bacterial 30S ribosomal subunit, causing misreading of t-RNA, leaving the bacterium unable to synthesize proteins vital to its growth. Aminoglycosides are useful primarily in infections involving aerobic, Gram-negative bacteria, such as Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, and Enterobacter. In addition, some mycobacteria, including the bacteria that cause tuberculosis, are susceptible to aminoglycosides. Infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria can also be treated with aminoglycosides, but other types of antibiotics are more potent and less damaging to the host. In the past the aminoglycosides have been used in conjunction with penicillin-related antibiotics in streptococcal infections for their synergistic effects, particularly in endocarditis. Aminoglycosides are mostly ineffective against anaerobic bacteria, fungi and viruses.
Alcomicin for patients
Alcomicin Interactions
No information provided.
Alcomicin Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to gentamicin is a contraindication to its use. A history of hypersensitivity or serious toxic reactions to other aminoglycosides may contraindicate use of gentamicin because of the known cross-sensitivity of patients to drugs in this class.
Additional information about Alcomicin
Alcomicin Indication: For treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible strains of the following microorganisms: P. aeruginosa, Proteus species (indole-positive and indole-negative), E. coli, Klebsiella-Enterobactor-Serratia species, Citrobacter species and Staphylococcus species (coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative). Mechanism Of Action: Aminoglycosides like gentamicin "irreversibly" bind to specific 30S-subunit proteins and 16S rRNA. Specifically gentamicin binds to four nucleotides of 16S rRNA and a single amino acid of protein S12. This interferes with decoding site in the vicinity of nucleotide 1400 in 16S rRNA of 30S subunit. This region interacts with the wobble base in the anticodon of tRNA. This leads to interference with the initiation complex, misreading of mRNA so incorrect amino acids are inserted into the polypeptide leading to nonfunctional or toxic peptides and the breakup of polysomes into nonfunctional monosomes. Drug Interactions: Atracurium The agent increases the effect of muscle relaxant Doxacurium The agent increases the effect of muscle relaxant Gallamine Triethiodide The agent increases the effect of muscle relaxant Metocurine The agent increases the effect of muscle relaxant Mivacurium The agent increases the effect of muscle relaxant Pancuronium The agent increases the effect of muscle relaxant Pipecuronium The agent increases the effect of muscle relaxant Rocuronium The agent increases the effect of muscle relaxant Succinylcholine The agent increases the effect of muscle relaxant Tubocurarine The agent increases the effect of muscle relaxant Vecuronium The agent increases the effect of muscle relaxant Bumetanide Increased ototoxicity Ethacrynic acid Increased ototoxicity Furosemide Increased ototoxicity Torasemide Increased ototoxicity Thalidomide Thalidomide increases the renal toxicity of the aminoglycoside Cisplatin Increased risk of nephrotoxicity Cefradine Increased risk of nephrotoxicity Cephapirin Increased risk of nephrotoxicity Cefamandole Increased risk of nephrotoxicity Cefazolin Increased risk of nephrotoxicity Cefonicid Increased risk of nephrotoxicity Cefoperazone Increased risk of nephrotoxicity Ceforanide Increased risk of nephrotoxicity Cefotaxime Increased risk of nephrotoxicity Cefotetan Increased risk of nephrotoxicity Cefoxitin Increased risk of nephrotoxicity Ceftazidime Increased risk of nephrotoxicity Ceftizoxime Increased risk of nephrotoxicity Ceftriaxone Increased risk of nephrotoxicity Cefuroxime Increased risk of nephrotoxicity Cephalothin Group Increased risk of nephrotoxicity Food Interactions: Not Available Generic Name: Gentamicin Synonyms: Not Available Drug Category: Anti-Bacterial Agents Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved Other Brand Names containing Gentamicin: Alcomicin; Apogen; Bristagen; G-Mycin; G-Myticin; Garamycin; Garamycin Otic Solution; Genoptic Liquifilm; Genoptic S.O.P.; Gentacidin; Gentafair; Gentak; Gentamar; Gentamcin Sulfate; Jenamicin; Ocu-Mycin; Spectro-Genta; U-gencin; Absorption: Injections lead to peak serum concentrations in 30-60 minutes. Topical gentamicin is readily absorbed from large burned, denuded, or granulating areas but not through intact skin. Absorption of gentamicin is faster and greater with the cream compared to the ointment. Gentamicin is absorbed in small quantities following topical application to the eye. Gentamicin is also absorbed in small amounts following topical application to the ear (especially if the eardrum is perforated or if tissue damage is present). Toxicity (Overdose): Mouse, intravenous LD50: 52 mg/kg; rat, intravenous LD50: 96 mg/kg. Protein Binding: Low (between 0 and 30%) Biotransformation: Not Available Half Life: 3-3½ hours in infants one week to six months of age; this increases to 5½ hours in full-term and large premature infants less than one week old. Dosage Forms of Alcomicin: Solution Intravenous Ointment Topical Solution / drops Auricular (otic) Solution Ophthalmic Solution Auricular (otic) Liquid Ophthalmic Solution / drops Ophthalmic Ointment Ophthalmic Cream Topical Chemical IUPAC Name: 2-[4,6-diamino-3-[3-amino-6-(1-methylaminoethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-2-hydroxycyclohexyl]oxy-5-methyl-4-methylaminooxane-3,5-diol Chemical Formula: C21H43N5O7 Gentamicin on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gentamicin Organisms Affected: Enteric bacteria and other eubacteria