dalfopristin and quinupristin Health Article

Generic name(s):

dalfopristin and quinupristin

Brand name(s):

dalfopristin-quinupristin, Synercid

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

Do not receive this medication if you are allergic to dalfopristin and quinupristin.

Before receiving dalfopristin and quinupristin, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, or a history of any type of allergy.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

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 in the blood and other body systems.

Dalfopristin and quinupristin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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

Do not receive this medication if you are allergic to dalfopristin and quinupristin.

Before receiving dalfopristin and quinupristin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• liver disease;

• kidney disease; or

• a history of any type of allergy.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to receive dalfopristin and quinupristin, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether dalfopristin and quinupristin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is dalfopristin and quinupristin given?

Dalfopristin and quinupristin is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Dalfopristin and quinupristin is most often given in a hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 1 hour or longer to complete.

Dalfopristin and quinupristin is usually given for at least 7 days, or longer for more severe infections.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since this medicine is usually given in a hospital, it is not likely that you will miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of a dalfopristin and quinupristin overdose may include vomiting, trouble breathing, tremors, shaking, 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 has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.