Product Description
AI Product Description
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Kanamycin Sulfate is a widely utilized aminoglycoside antibiotic derived from the bacterium *Streptomyces kanamyceticus*. Its chemical composition is defined by the molecular formula C18H36N4O11·H2SO4, reflecting its nature as the sulfate salt of the active compound kanamycin A. The substance is uniquely identified by the CAS Registry Number 8063-07-8, which serves as its universal standard for identification in scientific and commercial databases. Structurally, it consists of a central ring system substituted with amino and hydroxyl groups, a configuration essential for its biological activity against bacterial pathogens.
The primary clinical application of Kanamycin Sulfate involves the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible Gram-negative bacteria, including strains of *Escherichia coli*, *Proteus mirabilis*, *Klebsiella pneumoniae*, and certain enterococci. It is frequently employed when first-line antibiotics like penicillin or cephalosporins are ineffective due to resistance mechanisms. Furthermore, it plays a critical role in research laboratories as a selective agent in genetic engineering. Specifically, it is used in molecular biology to select for cells that have successfully incorporated plasmids containing the neomycin resistance gene (neoR), which confers cross-resistance to kanamycin. This makes it indispensable in cloning experiments and the generation of transgenic organisms.
In agriculture, Kanamycin Sulfate is occasionally utilized to control plant diseases caused by bacteria, such as fire blight in fruit trees, although its use is strictly regulated to prevent environmental contamination. Despite its efficacy, the drug carries significant safety considerations. The most notable adverse effect is ototoxicity, which can lead to irreversible hearing loss, and nephrotoxicity, potentially causing kidney damage. Consequently, dosage must be carefully monitored through therapeutic drug monitoring to maintain safe serum levels. While newer generations of antibiotics have reduced its prevalence in general practice, Kanamycin Sulfate remains a vital tool in specific medical scenarios and continues to be a cornerstone reagent in biotechnology research worldwide. Its stability in solid form and solubility in water make it suitable for various formulations, including injections, topical ointments, and laboratory solutions.