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.