USES: Penicillins are antibiotics used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections.
HOW TO USE: This medication must be used as directed by your doctor. Clean area before administering. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by using the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause mild diarrhea, stomach upset, nausea and vomiting during the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become severe, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop: bloody urine, fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, yellow eyes or skin, unusual tiredness or weakness. This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (pseudomembranous colitis) due to a resistant bacteria. This condition may occur while receiving therapy or even weeks after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, or blood/mucus in your stool. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this penicillin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other penicillins or other antibiotics; or if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other illnesses. Some injectable penicillins contain sodium; this could affect you if you are on a salt-restricted diet or if you have a condition which could be worsened with an increase in salt intake (e.g., congestive heart failure). If this pertains to you, check with your pharmacist to see if your brand contains sodium. If so, contact your doctor for more information. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Since small amounts of this medication are found in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Cellulitis is an acute spreading bacterial infection below the surface of the skin characterized by redness, warmth, inflammation, and pain. The most common cause of cellulitis is the bacteria Staph (Staphylococcus aureus).
Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a bacterium, and is one of the most common causes of infection of the colon. C. difficile spores are found frequently in hospitals, nursing homes, extended care facilities, and nurseries for newborn infants. They can be found on bedpans, furniture, toilet seats, linens, telephones, stethoscopes, fingernails, rings, floors, infants' rooms, and diaper pails. They even can be carried by pets. Antibiotic-associated (C. difficile) colitis is an infection of the colon caused by C. difficile that occurs primarily among individuals who have been using antibiotics. Treatment for C. difficile colitis hydration, replenishment of electrolyte deficiencies, discontinuing the antibiotic that caused the colitis, and using antibiotics to eradicate the C. difficile bacterium.
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infection is the most common type of infection acquired by patients while hospitalized. Patients at risk for VRE are those who are already ill, and hospitalized, including individuals with diabetes, elderly, ICU patients, kidney failure patients, or patients requiring catheters. Enterococci can survive for months in the digestive tract and female genital tract. Other risk factors for acquiring VRE include those how have been previously treated with vancomycin and combinations of other antibiotics. Treatment of VRE is generally with other antibiotics other than vancomycin. Prevention of VRE can be achieved by proper hand hygiene.
NDM-1 (New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase) is an enzyme produced by certain strains of bacteria that have recently acquired the genetic ability to make this compound. Bacteria that produce NDM-1 are resistant to all commonly used beta-lactam antibiotics. Klebsiella, Escherichia and Acinetobacter are known to possess the gene for NDM-1, which can turn these bacteria into superbugs. Symptoms and signs of NDM-1 infection include fever, fatigue, and shock. Treatment depends upon the NDM-1 strain.
Enterococci are a group of
gram-negative, round-shaped bacteria that commonly live in the gut, although they
can cause infection anywhere in the body. They are resistant to several
antibiotics, but in the past, physicians could rely on the drug vancomycin to
effectively treat enterococcal infections. In recent decades, however, some
enterococci have become resistant to vancomycin. The two main species that cause
problems are vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium and vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus faecalis, with E. faecium being the most common.
Vancomycin resistance is acquired when a sensitive
Enterococcus acquires a
special piece of DNA called a plasmid. The new strain is called
vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). One concern is that VRE appears able to
transfer vancomycin resistance to unrelated bacteria such as MRSA
(methicillin-resistant Staphyloc...
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