$Unique_ID{BRK03066}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{carbenicillin}
$Subject{Geocillin Roerig Antibiotic carbenicillin indanyl sodium infections
urinary tract respiratory skin abdomen prostate gland injuring cell walls
bacteria}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Geocillin*0306601.scf}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


carbenicillin
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Geocillin (Roerig)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antibiotic

INGREDIENT

     carbenicillin indanyl sodium

DOSAGE FORM

     Tablets (382 mg)

STORAGE

     Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

USES

     Carbenicillin is used to treat infections of the urinary tract,
respiratory tract, skin, abdomen, and the prostate gland.  It acts by severely
injuring the cell walls of the infecting bacteria, thereby preventing them
from growing and multiplying.  Carbenicillin kills susceptible bacteria but is
not effective against viruses, parasites, or fungi.

TREATMENT

     This drug should be taken on an empty stomach with a glass of water one
hour before or two hours after a meal.
     Carbenicillin works best when the level of medicine in your bloodstream
is kept constant.  It is best, therefore, to take the doses at evenly spaced
intervals day and night.  For example, if you are taking four doses a day, the
doses should be spaced six hours apart.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose immediately.
However, if you do not remember to take the missed dose until it is almost
time for your next dose, take it; space the following dose about halfway
through the regular interval between doses; and then return to your regular
schedule.  Try not to skip any doses.
     It is important to continue to take this medication for the entire time
prescribed by your doctor (usually seven to 14 days), even if the symptoms of
the infection disappear before the end of that period.  If you stop taking the
drug too soon, resistant bacteria are given the chance to continue growing,
and the infection could recur.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, or vomiting.  These side effects should
disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
bloating, chills, cough, darkened tongue, difficulty in breathing, fever,
irritation of the mouth, muscle aches, rash, rectal or vaginal itching, severe
diarrhea, or sore throat.  Also, if your symptoms of infection seem to be
getting worse rather than improving, you should contact your doctor.

INTERACTIONS

     Carbenicillin interacts with other types of medications:
     1. Probenecid can increase the blood concentrations and side effects of
this medication.
     2. Carbenicillin may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives
(birth control pills), and pregnancy could result.  You should, therefore, use
a different or additional form of birth control while taking this medication.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications that you are currently
taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any drugs, especially to carbenicillin or penicillins or to cephalosporin
antibiotics, penicillamine, or griseofulvin.
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had allergies,
asthma, bleeding problems, bowel disease, or kidney disease.
     * This medication has been prescribed for your current infection only.
Another infection later on, or one that someone else has, may require a
different medicine.  You should not give your medicine to other people, or use
it for other infections, unless your doctor specifically directs you to do so.
     * Diabetics taking carbenicillin should know that this drug can cause a
false-positive sugar reaction with a Clinitest urine glucose test.  To avoid
this problem, while taking carbenicillin you should switch to Clinistix or
Tes-Tape to test your urine for sugar.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although
carbenicillin appears to be safe during pregnancy, extensive studies in humans
have not been conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an
infant.  Small amounts of this medication pass into breast milk and may
temporarily alter the bacterial balance in the intestinal tract of the nursing
infant, resulting in diarrhea.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.