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Oxacillin (Injection)

Introduction:

Oxacillin (ox-a-SIL-in)

Treats infection caused by bacteria. This medicine is a penicillin antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

Novaplus Oxacillin

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to oxacillin or any type of penicillin, such as amoxicillin, penicillin, Amoxil®, Augmentin®, Trimox®, or Veetids®.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

  • Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins or as a shot into one of your muscles.
  • A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
  • You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
  • Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.

If a dose is missed:

  • Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • After mixing this medicine for injection, you may store it for 3 days at room temperature or 7 days under refrigeration.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine, containers, and other supplies. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
  • Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using medicine to treat an infection such as doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline, Minocin®, or Vibramycin®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver disease, kidney disease, asthma, or any allergies.
  • Use this medicine to treat only the infection your doctor has prescribed it for. Do not use this medicine for any infection that has not been checked by your doctor.
  • If you have severe diarrhea, ask your doctor before taking any medicine to stop the diarrhea.
  • Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Bloody urine.
  • Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
  • Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
  • Diarrhea that may contain blood.
  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, or body aches.
  • Lightheadedness or fainting.
  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in your upper stomach.
  • Seizure.
  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Blackish-colored tongue.
  • Joint pain or muscle cramps.
  • Mild nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.
  • Mild skin rash.
  • Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat.
  • Reviewed last on: 1/4/2010
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