QUINUPRISTIN AND DALFOPRISTIN (Systemic)?
Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.?
? Not commercially available in Canada.
Category
Description
Quinupristin (qui-NYOO-pris-tin) and dalfopristin (dal-FOE-pris-tin) belong to the family of medicine called antibiotics. Antibioticsare medicines used in the treatment of infections caused by bacteria. Theywork by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. Quinupristin and dalfopristinwill not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.
Quinupristin and dalfopristin injection is used to treat infection of theskin or the blood. It may also be used for other conditions as determinedby your doctor. It is given by injection and is used mainly for serious infectionfor which other medicine may not work.
Quinupristin and dalfopristin injection is available only with your doctor'sprescription, in the following dosage form:
Parenteral- Injection (U.S.)
Before Using This Medicine
In decidingto use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed againstthe good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. Forquinupristin and dalfopristin, the following should be considered:
Allergies?Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergicreaction to quinupristin or dalfopristin. Also tell your health care professionalif you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives,or dyes.
Pregnancy?Quinupristin and dalfopristin have not been studied in pregnantwomen. However, they have not been shown to cause birth defects or other problemsin animal studies.
Breast-feeding?It is not known whether quinupristin and dalfopristin passinto breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts,many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are takingthis medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.
Children?Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients,and there is no specific information comparing use of quinupristin and dalfopristinin children under 16 years old with use in other age groups.
Older adults?In studies of patients 65 years or older, quinupristin and dalfopristinhave not been shown to cause different side effects or problems than theydo in younger adults.
Other medicines?Although certain medicines should not be used togetherat all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even ifan interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to changethe dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving quinupristinand dalfopristin it is especially important that you tell your doctor if youare taking any of the following:
- Cyclosporine (e.g., Sandimmune) or
- Midazolam (e.g., Versed) or
- Nifedipine (e.g., Adalat) or
- Terfenadine (e.g., Seldane)?Use of these medicine with quinupristinand dalfopristin may increase their effects because of slower removal of themedicine from the body.
Other medical problems?The presence of other medical problemsmay affect the use of quinupristin and dalfopristin. Make sure you tell yourdoctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Liver disease?Liver disease may increase blood levels of thismedicine, increasing the chance of side effects
Proper Use of This Medicine
Some medicinegiven by injection may sometimes be given at home to patients who do not needto be in the hospital. If you are using this medicine at home, make sure youclearly understand and carefully follow your doctor's instructions.
To help clear up your infection completely, this medicinemust be given for the full time of treatment, even if you begin tofeel better after a few days. Also, it works best when there is a constantamount in the blood. To help keep the amount constant, quinupristin and dalfopristinmust be given on a regular schedule.
Dosing?The dose of quinupristin and dalfopristin will be differentfor different patients. The dose that is used may depend on a number of things,including what the medicine is being used for, the patient's size, and whetheror not other medicines are also being taken. If you arereceiving quinupristin and dalfopristin at home, follow your doctor's ordersor the directions on the label.
Side Effects of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwantedeffects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occurthey may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following sideeffects occur:
Other side effects not listed abovemay also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check withyour doctor.
Developed: 12/20/1999
