AMPICILLIN WITH SULBACTAM - INJECTION 

COMMON BRAND NAME  -Unasyn  

USES: This medication is  an antibiotic used  to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, such as skin infections, gynecological infections or infections of the abdomen. 

HOW TO USE:  This medication is given intravenously. It may  be injected into a large muscle such as a buttock or hip or diluted in  fluid and given slowly over a 30 to 60 minute period into  a vein. Antibiotics work best when the amount  of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by using the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day  and night as prescribed. 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. 

SIDE EFFECTS:  This medication may cause diarrhea, stomach upset, gas  or nausea as your body adjusts to  the medication. If these effects continue or become severe, inform  your doctor. The site where the injection is given may be red  and irritated for a few days. Notify  your doctor if the irritation continues or becomes worse. Notify  your doctor if  you experience: itching, chest pain, skin rash, swelling  of the face/hands/or feet, difficulty breathing, difficult or painful urination, dizziness, unusual bleeding or bruising, sore throat,  a swollen tongue.  If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor  or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if  you have: other illnesses, allergies (especially  to penicillin or other antibiotics). Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result  in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss  the risks  and benefits with  your doctor. Since small amounts of this medication are found in breast milk, consult  your doctor before breast-feeding. 

DRUG INTERACTIONS:  Tell  your doctor of  all the medications you take (prescription  and nonprescription) especially of: probenecid, tetracyclines, allopurinol. This drug may interfere with the effectiveness  of birth control pills. Discuss using other methods  of birth control with your doctor. Diabetics should be aware this medication may affect certain glucose test results. Talk  to your doctor or pharmacist about the best way to monitor your glucose levels. 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:  This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another  infection or give it to someone else. A different medication may be necessary in those cases. 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 instruction with your doctor or pharmacist. Intravenous bags are to be stored in the refrigerator. Let a refrigerated bag sit at room temperature at least one hour before using. Check expiration date before using. Store vial at room temperature away from sunlight.