Question

Case Study: AB is a 55-year-old woman with a wound infection to her right leg. A C&S was obtained and found the infection is to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Her temp is elevated at this time to 103.8. Amikacin sulfate is to be administered IV in 100 mL of 5% dextrose in water (D5W) over 45 minutes every 8 hours. The dosage is 15 mg/kg/day in three divided doses. AB weighs 165 pounds.

• What is the drug classification of amikacin? How many milligrams of amikacin should AB receive every 8 hours?
• You are going to administer this via IV infusion via pump. What is the mL per hour for this infusion?
• When would a wound culture be obtained to determine the appropriate antibacterial agent? Explain.
• What the similarities of amikacin to other aminoglycosides such as gentamicin? Would one aminoglycoside be preferred over another? Explain

Answer 1

1.

Amikacin belongs to the group of drugs called aminoglycoside antibiotics.

AB will receive

15mg/kg/day in three divided dosage

AB weighs 165 pounds (75 kg)

in three divided doses.

15mg/kg x 75kg = 1125mg/day

.Every 8 hours

1125mg/day - 3doses = 375mg dose

375 milligrams of amikacin AB will receive every 8 hours.

2.

We have to administer it in 100 mL of 5% dextrose in water (D5W) over 45 minutes.

then

100ml = 45min x 60min = 133.3ml/h

You have to infuse 133.3 ml per hour to finish 100 ml in 45 min.

3.

Wound swab should obtain before administering any antibiotics because antibiotics can suppress the infection-causing bacteria. For appropriate identification you have to collect the swab before administering any antibiotics.

Proper identification improves proper patient care, proper uses of antibiotics and reduces hospital stay.