GENERIC NAME: PENICILLINS - INJECTION

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

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.