Kanamycin Sulfate

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW Appearance: colorless to white powder. Warning! Individuals with allergies or hypersensitivity to antibiotics should take caution. Causes eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation. May cause allergic respiratory and skin reaction. Possible risk of harm to the unborn child. May cause loss of hearing. May cause kidney damage. May cause reproductive and fetal effects. Target Organs: Kidneys, central nervous system, eyes, skin, auditory system.

Potential health effects

Eye: Causes eye irritation. Exposure to solid may cause pain and redness. May cause chemical conjunctivitis. Skin: May cause skin irritation. May cause skin sensitization, an allergic reaction, which becomes evident upon re-exposure to this material. May be harmful if absorbed through the skin. Ingestion: May cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. May cause kidney damage. May cause central nervous system effects. Hearing loss and deafness have been reported. May be harmful if swallowed. May cause auditory damage with possible loss of hearing. May cause neuromuscular paralysis. Causes photosensitivity with possible allergic skin reactions when exposed to light. Inhalation: Causes respiratory tract irritation. May cause an allergic response. May cause hearing impairment. May cause central nervous system effects. Chronic: Animal studies have reported that fetal effects/abnormalities may occur when maternal toxicity is seen. Chronic exposure may cause kidney damage. May cause adverse reproductive effects. Kanamycin is an aminoglycoside antimicrobial. Aminoglycosides are associated with significant nephrotoxicity (toxic to kidney cells) and ototoxicity (having a toxic effect on the structures of the ear, especially the nerve supply).