UNASYN

Drug Name: UNASYN

UNASYN DESCRIPTION:
AMPICILLIN WITH SULBACTAM - INJECTION (amp-eh-SILL-in WITH sull-BACK-tam)

COMMON UNASYN BRAND NAME(S):
Unasyn

UNASYN SIDE EFFECTS:
UNASYN 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.

HOW TO USE UNASYN:
UNASYN: UNASYN 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 UNASYN 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.

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

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

UNASYN DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all the medications you take (prescription and nonprescription) especially of: probenecid, tetracyclines, allopurinol. UNASYN may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Discuss using other methods of birth control with your doctor. Diabetics should be aware UNASYN 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.

UNASYN OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include seizures.

UNASYN NOTES:
UNASYN 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 UNASYN 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.

UNASYN STORAGE:
UNASYN 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.