Kanamycin A is aminoglycoside anti-bacterial agent. Active against many strains of Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and epidermis. Some strains of Mycobacterium bacterium are sensitive. Most active in alkaline solution. It binds to bacterial ribosomes and reduces mRNA translation hence reduces protein biosynthesis. However, it also exhibits some toxic effects towards mammalian cells.

Bekanamycin is an aminoglycoside and is a congener of kanamycin. It is given topically as the sulfate for the treatment of eye infections. It is reported to be more toxic than kanamycin A. Antibiotic complex produced by Streptomyces kanamyceticus Okami & Umezawa from Japanese soil. There are no known interactions with other drugs.

Kanamycin (a mixture of kanamycin A, B and C) is an aminoglycoside bacteriocidal antibiotic, available in oral, intravenous, and intramuscular forms, and used to treat a wide variety of infections. It is effective against Gram-negative bacteria and certain Gram-positive bacteria. Aminoglycosides work by binding to the bacterial 30S ribosomal subunit, causing misreading of t-RNA, leaving the bacterium unable to synthesize proteins vital to its growth. Serious side effects include tinnitus or loss of hearing, toxicity to kidneys, and allergic reactions to the drug. Mixing of an aminoglycoside with beta-lactam-type antibiotics (penicillins or cephalosporins) may result in a significant mutual inactivation. Even when an aminoglycoside and a penicillin-type drug are administered separately by different routes, a reduction in aminoglycoside serum half-life or serum levels has been reported in patients with impaired renal function and in some patients with normal renal function.