CEPHALOSPORINS - FROZEN PIGGYBACK INJECTION

COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Ancef, Cefobid, Claforan, Fortaz, Mefoxin, Tazicef, Zinacef

USES:
This medication is an antibiotic that is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections.

HOW TO USE THIS MEDICATION:
Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. This is done by administering the drug at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection. Thaw the frozen container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Do not thaw by putting in a water bath or by microwaving it. After thawing, squeeze the container to check for leaks. Discard solution if the container leaks. Let a refrigerated bag sit at room temperature at least one hour before using. Shake the container before using. Discard if the solution is cloudy or has particles.

SIDE EFFECTS:
Notify your doctor immediately if an allergic reaction occurs while using this medication. Symptoms include:
difficulty breathing, skin rash, hives, itching. Tell your doctor if you experience:
nausea, vomiting, severe stomach cramps, watery or bloody diarrhea, fever, unusual weakness, persistent sore throat, easy bruising and bleeding. Unlikely to occur but report:
change in the amount of urine. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of:
kidney problems, liver problems, stomach problems, alcohol usage, allergies (especially allergies to penicillins, other cephalosporins or any other drugs). Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Since small amounts of the drug appear in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medications you may use, especially of:
“blood thinners” (e.g., warfarin), live vaccines. Certain cephalosporins (your medication belongs to this class of drugs) can interact strongly with alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while using this medication and for 72 hours after the last dose has been injected. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the medication prescribed for you and the use of alcohol. This drug may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Discuss using other methods of birth control with your doctor. If you are a diabetic, use Clinistix or TesTape to test for sugar in your urine. Do not use Clinitest tablets because this drug may cause false positive results. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include seizures.

NOTES:
Make sure needles, tubing and supplies are stored safely and disposed of properly.

MISSED DOSE:
If you should miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not “double-up” the dose.

STORAGE:
This medication must be stored properly. Review storage instructions with your doctor or pharmacist. Premixed frozen bags are to be stored in the freezer before thawing. After thawing, store in refrigerator for longer stability. Do not refreeze. Check expiration before using.

Drugs & Medications

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.