$Unique_ID{BRK03246}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{nafcillin}
$Subject{Unipen Wyeth Penicillin antibiotic nafcillin bacterial infections
Staphylococcus bacteria injuring cell membranes}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


nafcillin
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Unipen (Wyeth)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Penicillin antibiotic

INGREDIENT

     nafcillin

DOSAGE FORMS

     Tablets (500 mg)
     Capsules (250 mg)
     Oral solution (250 mg per 5-ml spoonful)

STORAGE

     Nafcillin tablets and capsules should be stored at room temperature in
tightly closed containers.  The oral solution should be stored in the
refrigerator in a tightly closed container.  Any unused portion of the
solution should be discarded after 14 days because the drug loses its potency
after that time.  This medication should never be frozen.

USES

     Nafcillin is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections,
especially those caused by Staphylococcus bacteria.  It acts by severely
injuring the cell membranes of the infecting bacteria, thereby preventing them
from growing and multiplying.  Nafcillin kills susceptible bacteria, but it is
not effective against viruses, parasites, or fungi.

TREATMENT

     Nafcillin should be taken on an empty stomach or with a glass of water
one hour before or two hours after a meal.  This medication should never be
taken with fruit juices or carbonated beverages because the acidity of these
drinks destroys the drug in the stomach.
     The oral solution should be measured carefully with a specially designed
5-ml measuring spoon.  An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not accurate enough.
     Nafcillin 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
dosing schedule.  Try not to skip any doses.
     Take this drug for the entire time prescribed by your doctor (usually
seven to 14 days), even if your symptoms disappear before the end of that
period.  If you stop taking the drug too soon, resistant bacteria are given a
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, difficult or painful urination,
difficulty in breathing, fever, irritation of the mouth, muscle aches, rash,
rectal or vaginal itching, severe diarrhea, sore throat, or yellowing of the
skin or eyes.  Also, if your symptoms of infection seem to be getting worse
rather than improving, you should contact your doctor.

INTERACTIONS

     Nafcillin interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. Probenecid can increase the blood concentrations of this medication.
     2. Nafcillin may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives (birth
control pills), and pregnancy could result.  You should, therefore, use
another form of birth control while taking this medication.  Discuss this with
your doctor.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to nafcillin, penicillins, cephalosporin
antibiotics, penicillamine, or griseofulvin.
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had kidney
disease, asthma, or allergies.
     * 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 nafcillin should know that this drug can cause a
false-positive sugar reaction with a Clinitest urine glucose test.  To avoid
this problem while taking nafcillin, 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 nafcillin
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.