Medicament for reducing nephrotoxicity caused by positively charged agents such as aminoglycosides and methods of use thereof

Novel medicaments and methods of use thereof are disclosed for reducing in a human or an animal nephrotoxic effects associated with positively charged molecules or agents. The positively charged molecules or agents may be endogenous or exogenous to the human or animal. Examples of endogenous positively charged molecules or agents include proteins or myoglobin, whereas exogenous positively charged molecules and agents may be pharmaceuticals, such as those derived from the aminoglycoside antibiotic family. The medicament comprises a positively charged (cationic) substance which is preferably substantially inert and substantially secreted by the proximal tubules of the kidney. An example of a positively charged (cationic) substance that is substantially inert is amprolium. In addition, the medicament may include a pharmaceutical, such as an aminoglycoside antibiotic for treating bacterial infection.