Apramycin
**Apramycin** is an aminocyclitol antibiotic (closely related to the aminoglycoside class) primarily used in veterinary medicine for the treatment of enteric bacterial infections in livestock, such as porcine *E. coli* bacillosis, and in calves and poultry. While no longer commercially available in the USA, it remains in use internationally. It is notable for its efficacy against a variety of gram-negative organisms. Because it is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract in adult animals, it is highly effective for local enteric infections. However, **neonates may absorb the drug systemically**, increasing the risk of classic aminoglycoside toxicities (nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity).
Mecanismo: Apramycin is **bactericidal**. It actively transports across the bacterial cell membrane and binds irreversibly to the **30S ribosomal subunit** → interferes with mRNA translation → inhibits bacterial protein synthesis. It is active against many gram-negative bacteria (e.g., *E. coli*, *Pseudomonas*, *Salmonella*, *Klebsiella*, *Proteus*, *Pasturella*, *Treponema hyodysenteriae*, *Bordetella bronchiseptica*), as well as *Staphylococcus* and *Mycoplasma*.
Dosificación por especie
- Bacterial enteritis caused by susceptible organisms · 20-40 mg/kg PO daily in drinking water · PO · daily
- Colibacillosis or salmonellosis (Calves) · 1-2 sachets to be administered in the drinking water, milk, or milk replacer to provide 20-40 mg of apramycin activity per kg of bodyweight daily according to the severity of the disease. Continue treatment for 5 days. · PO · daily · 5 days
- Bacterial enteritis caused by susceptible organisms (Poultry) · To be administered via drinking water to provide 250-500 mg of apramycin activity per liter for 5 days. This may be achieved by adding 50 g apramycin per 100-200 liters of water. · PO · daily · 5 days
- Bacterial enteritis caused by susceptible organisms · Treated pigs should consume enough water to receive 12.5 mg/kg body weight per day for 7 days. Add to drinking water at a rate of 375 mg per gallon. After adding to water, stir and allow to stand for 15 minutes, then stir again. · PO · daily · 7 days
- Bacterial enteritis caused by susceptible organisms · 20-40 mg/kg PO daily in drinking water · PO · daily
- Bacterial enteritis caused by susceptible organisms · Pigs: To be administered via the drinking water. Add 1 small measure (4.4 mL) or 1 sachet of soluble powder per 20 L of drinking water. · PO · daily
Las dosis son una referencia clínica para veterinarios colegiados. Confirme siempre con la ficha técnica vigente y el paciente individual.
Vías de administración
Contraindicaciones
- Known hypersensitivity to apramycin
- Cats
- Patients with myasthenia gravis
Efectos adversos
- Ototoxicity (if systemically absorbed)
- Nephrotoxicity (if systemically absorbed)
Interacciones farmacológicas
- Neuromuscular blockers · Potential for enhanced neuromuscular blockade (extrapolated from neomycin)
- Nephrotoxic or Ototoxic drugs · Additive toxicity risk if apramycin is systemically absorbed (extrapolated from neomycin)
Monitorización
- Clinical efficacy
- Renal function (if systemic absorption is suspected)
Sobredosis
If substantial amounts of the drug are absorbed systemically (e.g., in neonates or massive overdose), both ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity are a distinct possibility. Treatment is supportive, focusing on maintaining hydration and renal perfusion.
La referencia de fármacos de VetSheet está destinada a veterinarios colegiados como apoyo a la decisión clínica, no sustituye el juicio profesional ni la ficha técnica vigente del fabricante.