Nafcillin Injection

What is this medicine?

NAFCILLIN (naf SILL in) is a penicillin antibiotic. It treats some infections caused by bacteria. It will not work for colds, the flu, or other viruses.

How should I use this medicine?

This drug is injected into a muscle or infused into a vein. It is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you get this drug at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give it. Use exactly as directed. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Keep taking it unless your health care provider tells you to stop.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or health care provider to get one.

Talk to your health care provider about the use of this drug in children. While it may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

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

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• dark urine

• discolored tongue

• fever or chills

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

• seizures

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusually weak or tired

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

• diarrhea

• headache

• nausea, vomiting

• pain, swelling, or irritation at site where injected

• sore mouth

• stomach upset

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• tetracycline antibiotics

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• birth control pills

• cyclosporine

• probenecid

• warfarin

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.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

You will be instructed on how to store this medicine. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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

• liver disease

• lung or breathing disease, like asthma

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

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care provider if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

This medicine may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medicine. Contact your health care provider right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.

Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

This medicine can interfere with some urine protein tests. If you use such tests, talk with your health care provider.