[Amikacin and kanamycin. Comparative experimental studies on nephrotoxicity].

The nephrotoxicity of amikacin and kanamycin was investigated in 110 female albino Wistar rats. The drugs were administered i.m. in different dosages (2.5; 5; 10; 20; 100 and 500 mg/kg/day; dosage interval: 12 h) over a period of 5 days. The excretion of tubular cells and urinary enzymes (MDH, LDH and GOT) was assessed before, during and after administration of the antibioitcs. In addition, the concentration of serum urea was analysed and the kidneys were investigated histologically. These investigations show that both the aminoglycosides are tubulotoxic, in higher dosages glomerulotoxic, too. The toxic threshold doses were found to be within the range of human therapeutic dosages: amikacin: 10 mg/kg/day, kanamycin: 5 mg/kg/day.