dalfopristin and quinupristin

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Pronunciation: dal FOE pris tin and kwi NYOO pris tin

Brand: Synercid

What is the most important information I should know about dalfopristin and quinupristin?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is dalfopristin and quinupristin?

Dalfopristin and quinupristin is a combination antibiotic that fights severe or life-threatening infection caused by bacteria.

Dalfopristin and quinupristin is used to treat severe infections of the skin or other body systems.

Dalfopristin and quinupristin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using dalfopristin and quinupristin?

You should not use dalfopristin and quinupristin if you are allergic to it.

To make sure dalfopristin and quinupristin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • an allergic reaction to any antibiotic;
  • liver disease; or
  • kidney disease.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether dalfopristin and quinupristin passes into breast milk or if it could affect the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

How is dalfopristin and quinupristin given?

Dalfopristin and quinupristin is injected into a vein through an IV, sometimes with an infusion pump or through a central IV or "PICC" line.

This medicine is most often given in a hospital setting. However, you may be shown how to use an IV at home. Do not give yourself this medicine if you do not understand how to use the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used.

Dalfopristin and quinupristin must be given slowly, and the infusion can take at least 1 hour to complete.

Call your doctor at once if you have problems with your IV, or if the medicine does not flow freely from the IV bag through the tubing.

Dalfopristin and quinupristin is usually given for at least 7 days. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Dalfopristin and quinupristin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

If you keep this medicine at home, store the IV bag a refrigerator and use it before the expiration date on medicine label. Do not freeze.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of dalfopristin and quinupristin.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose can cause vomiting, trouble breathing, tremors, and loss of balance or coordination.

What should I avoid while taking dalfopristin and quinupristin?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

What are the possible side effects of dalfopristin and quinupristin?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
  • pain, bruising, swelling, or severe irritation around the IV needle;
  • jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
  • a seizure (convulsions);
  • irregular heart rate; or
  • sudden numbness or weakness, severe headache, slurred speech, problems with balance.

Common side effects may include:

  • mild irritation around the IV needle;
  • rash; or
  • nausea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect dalfopristin and quinupristin?

Many drugs can interact with dalfopristin and quinupristin. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

  • methylprednisolone;
  • carbamazepine;
  • antiviral medicine to treat HIV/AIDS --delavirdine, indinavir, nevirapine, ritonavir;
  • cancer medicine --docetaxel, paclitaxel, vinblastine, vincristine;
  • heart or blood pressure medication --diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil;
  • medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection --cyclosporine, tacrolimus;
  • a sedative --diazepam (Valium), midazolam; or
  • "statin" cholesterol medication --atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin, Zocor, Vytorin, Crestor, and others.

This list is not complete and many other drugs can interact with dalfopristin and quinupristin. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Give a list of all your medicines to any healthcare provider who treats you.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about dalfopristin and quinupristin.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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