Mezlocillin injection

What is mezlocillin injection?

MEZLOCILLIN (Mezlin®) was a penicillin antibiotic. Mezlocillin kills certain bacteria that cause infection, or stops their growth. It treats many kinds of infections including those of the skin, blood, central nervous system, respiratory tract, sinuses, and urinary tract. It also treats certain infections in women (gynecological infections). Generic mezlocillin injections are not yet available.

NOTE: This drug is discontinued in the United States.

What should my health care professional know before I receive mezlocillin?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma

• eczema

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• stomach problems (especially colitis)

• other chronic illness

• an unusual or allergic reaction to mezlocillin, other penicillins, cephalosporin antibiotics, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Mezlocillin is for injection into a muscle or into a vein, or for infusion into a vein. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop using except on your prescriber's advice.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with mezlocillin?

• certain antibiotics given by injection

• clavulanic acid

• methotrexate

• probenecid

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking mezlocillin?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 2 or 3 days.

If you get severe or watery diarrhea, do not treat yourself. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

If you get a skin rash, do not treat yourself. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

If you are diabetic and taking large doses of mezlocillin, you may get a false-positive result for sugar in your urine. Check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving mezlocillin?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• difficulty breathing, wheezing

• fever or chills, sore throat

• headache

• less frequent passing of urine

• muscle cramps

• pain, swelling and irritation at the injection site

• red spots on the skin

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• seizures (convulsions)

• severe or watery diarrhea

• skin rash, itching

• swollen joints

• unusual weakness or tiredness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• nausea, vomiting

• sore mouth

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

After mixing the injection solution can be stored for 24 to 72 hours at room temperature; one to seven days in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F); or up to twenty eight days when frozen at —12 degrees C (10 degrees F). Storage times depend on diluent used, follow manufacturer's advice. Throw away any unused injection solutions.