Unipen

 
Generic Name: nafcillin

Brands: Unipen

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What is the most important information I should know about Unipen?

· Take all of the Unipen that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated.

· Do not break, chew, open, or crush the capsules. Swallow them whole.

· Unipen may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use a second method of birth control while taking Unipen to protect against pregnancy.

 

What is Unipen?

· Unipen is an antibiotic in the class of drugs called penicillins. It fights bacteria in your body.

· Unipen is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections, especially those caused by staphylococcus bacteria ("staph" infections).

· Unipen may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

Who should not take Unipen?

· If you have ever had an allergic reaction to another penicillin or to a cephalosporin, do not take Unipen unless your doctor is aware of your allergy and monitors your therapy.

· Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, stomach or intestinal disease, or infectious mononucleosis. You may not be able to take Unipen because of an increased risk of side effects.

· If you are a diabetic, some glucose urine tests may give false positive results while you are taking Unipen.

· Unipen is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Unipen is generally considered to be safe for use during pregnancy. Do not, however, take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

· It is not known whether Unipen passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

 

How should I take Unipen?

· Take Unipen exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass of water.

· Unipen should be taken at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night to keep the level in your blood high enough to treat the infection.

· Take all of the Unipen that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

· Store the capsules at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

· If you have only missed one dose, you can take the rest of your scheduled doses for the day at evenly spaced intervals.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of a Unipen overdose include muscle spasms or weakness, pain or twitching, pain in the fingers or toes, loss of feeling in the fingers or toes, seizures, confusion, coma, and agitation.

 

What should I avoid while taking Unipen?

· Alcohol may irritate your stomach if taken with Unipen, so use it with moderation.

 

What are the possible side effects of Unipen?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Unipen and seek emergency medical attention:     ·an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of your throat; hives; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; rash; or fainting);     ·seizures;     ·severe watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps; or     ·unusual bleeding or bruising.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Unipen and talk to your doctor if you experience     ·mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain;     ·white patches on the tongue (thrush/yeast infection);     ·itching or discharge of the vagina (vaginal yeast infection); or     ·black, "hairy" tongue or sore mouth or tongue.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Unipen?

· Some drugs may decrease the effects of Unipen and prevent it from properly treating your infection. Before taking Unipen, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:     ·cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid); or     ·another antibiotic (for the same or for a different infection) such as erythromycin (Ery-Tab, E-Mycin, E.E.S., others), tetracycline (Sumycin, others), minocycline (Minocin), doxycycline (Doryx, Vibramycin, others), or any other.

· Unipen may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use a second method of birth control while taking Unipen to protect against pregnancy.

· Probenecid (Benemid) may increase the effects of Unipen. These drugs may be used together for this purpose; however, be sure your doctor is aware if you are taking probenecid. You may need a lower dose of Unipen.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Unipen. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Unipen written for health professionals that you may read.

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