GENERIC NAME: QUINUPRISTIN/DALFOPRISTIN - INJECTABLE (kwih-new-PRISS-tin/DAL-foh-priss-tin)

BRAND NAME(S): Synercid

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

USES: This medication is a combination antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections that have not responded to treatment with other antibiotics.

HOW TO USE: Give this medication by vein (IV) over 1 hour in a dextrose solution (5% Dextrose in Water). Usually, this drug is used for at least 7 days; or use as directed by your doctor. Because this product does not contain preservatives, it must be prepared in a laminar air flow hood as close as possible to each dose. Do not prepare this drug and save for later use. Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dilution with the correct IV fluids. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions regarding the use of this medication. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If any of these are present, do not use the drug. If more that one drug is to be given through the same IV line, the IV line should be flushed before and after use with a dextrose solution (5% Dextrose in Water). Do not give other IV drugs together with this medication without flushing the IV line. Antibiotics work best when the amount of the medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, use this drug at the same time each day. Continue to use this drug until all has been used even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve in 7 to 10 days. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, swelling and pain at the injection site, itching, and headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: joint pain, muscle pain, stomach pain, chest pain, change in heart rhythm, severe diarrhea (pseudomembranous colitis), blood in the urine. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.