GENERIC NAME: CEPHALOSPORINS - INJECTION
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Cephalosporins are antibiotics used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, such as respiratory tract infections, skin infections and urinary tract infections.
HOW TO USE: Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. This is done by administering the drug at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed time 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. Before using, check the product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use it.
SIDE EFFECTS: An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: itching, swelling, dizziness, rash, trouble breathing. Report promptly: vomiting, severe stomach cramps, watery or bloody diarrhea, fever, unusual weakness, fast/pounding heartbeat. Unlikely but report promptly: yellowing eyes and skin, persistent sore throat, easy bruising or bleeding, change in amount of urine, seizures. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, liver problems, stomach problems, alcohol usage, allergies (especially allergies to penicillins, cephalosporins or other drugs). Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Since small amounts of the drug appear in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medications you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), live vaccines. Certain cephalosporins (your medication belongs to this class of drugs) can interact strongly with alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while using this medication and for 72 hours after the last dose has been injected. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the medication prescribed for you and the use of alcohol. This drug may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Discuss using other methods of birth control with your doctor. This drug may cause false positive results in some diabetic urine testing products (cupric sulfate-type). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for recommendations. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include seizures.
NOTES: Make sure needles, tubing and supplies are stored safely and disposed of properly.
MISSED DOSE: If you should miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose.
STORAGE: This medication must be stored properly. Review storage instruction with your doctor or pharmacist. Store dry powder vials at room temperature away from sunlight. Check expiration time before using reconstituted solution.
QUESTION
What causes tooth decay? See AnswerRelated Disease Conditions
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Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the bladder, kidneys, ureters, or urethra. E. coli, a type of bacteria that lives in the bowel and near the anus, causes most UTIs. UTI symptoms include pain, abdominal pain, mild fever, urinary urgency, and frequency. Treatment involves a course of antibiotics.
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Impetigo
Impetigo is a contagious skin infection caused by staph and strep bacteria. There are two types of impetigo: nonbullous and bullous. Symptoms of nonbullous impetigo include small blisters on the nose, face, arms, or legs and possibly swollen glands. Bullous impetigo signs include blisters in various areas, particularly in the buttocks area. Treatment involves gentle cleansing, removing the crusts of popped blisters, and the application of prescription-strength mupirocin antibiotic ointment.
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Clostridium Difficile Colitis (C. diff, C. difficle Colitis)
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.
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Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE)
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.
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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.