WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS

PENICILLINS

GENERIC AND BRAND NAMES

See complete list of generic and brand names in the Generic and Brand Name Directory, page 889

BASIC INFORMATION

Habit forming? No

Prescription needed? Yes

Available as generic? Yes

Drug class: Antibiotic (penicillin)

USES

Treatment of bacterial infections that are susceptible to penicillin, including lower respiratory tract infections, otitis media, sinusitis, skin and skin structure infections, urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal disorders, ulcers, endocarditis, pharyngitis. Different penicillins treat different kinds of infections.

DOSAGE & USAGE INFORMATION

How to take:

- Tablet or capsule – Swallow with liquid on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. You may take amoxicillin, penicillin V, pivampicillin or pivmecillinam on a full stomach.

- Chewable tablet – Chew or crush before swallowing.

- Oral suspension – Measure each dose with an accurate measuring device (not a household teaspoon). Store according to instructions.

When to take:

Follow instructions on prescription label, or take as directed by doctor. The number of doses, the time between doses and the length of treatment will depend on the problem being treated.

If you forget a dose:

Take as soon as you remember, then continue regular schedule. If it is almost time for the next dose, wait for that dose (don’t double that dose).

OVERDOSE

Symptoms:

Severe diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.

WHAT TO DO:

Overdose unlikely to threaten life. If person takes much larger amount than prescribed, call doctor, poison control center or hospital emergency room for instructions.

What drug does:

Destroys susceptible bacteria. Does not kill viruses (e.g. colds or influenza), fungi or parasites.

Time lapse before drug works:

May be several days before medicine affects infection.

Don’t take with:

Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

POSSIBLE ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS

Symptoms What to do

Life-threatening:

Hives, rash, intense itching, shortness of Seek emergency treatment immediately.

breath, faintness soon after a dose

(anephylaxis).

Common:

Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea (all mild); Continue. Call doctor when convenient.

sore mouth or tongue; white patches in

mouth or on tongue; vaginal itching or

discharge; stomach pain.

Infrequent:

None expected.

Rare:

Unexplained bleeding or bruising, weakness, Discontinue. Call doctor right away.

sore throat, fever, severe abdominal cramps,

diarrhea (watery and severe), convulsions.

WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS

Don’t take if:

You are allergic to penicillins or cephalosporins. A life-threatening reaction may occur.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

- If you are allergic to any substance or drug.

- If you have mononucleosis.

- If you have congestive heart failure.

- If you have high blood pressure or any bleeding disorder.

- If you have cystic fibrosis.

- If you have kidney disease or a stomach or intestinal disorder.

Over age 60:

No special problems expected.

Pregnancy:

Consult doctor. Risk category (see page xxiii).

Breast-feeding:

Drug passes into milk. Child may become sensitive to penicillins and have allergic reactions to penicillin drugs. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor.

Infants & children:

No special problems expected.

Prolonged use:

- You may become more susceptible to infections caused by germs not responsive to penicillins.

- Talk to your doctor about need for follow-up medical examinations or laboratory studies.

Skin & sunlight:

No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:

Usually not dangerous. Most hazardous reactions likely to occur a few minutes after taking penicillin.

Discontinuing:

Don’t discontinue without doctor’s advice until you complete prescribed dose, even though symptoms diminish or disappear.

Others:

- Urine sugar test for diabetes may show false positive result.

- If your symptoms don’t improve within a few days (or if they worsen), call your doctor.

- Don’t take medicines for diarrhea without your doctor’s approval.

- Birth control pills may not be effective. Use additional birth control methods.

Date: 2015-12-17; view: 1768