carbenicillin

(kär-bĕn'ĭ-sĭl'ĭn)
n.
A semisynthetic derivative of penicillin that is effective in the treatment of infections caused by certain susceptible strains of Gram-negative bacteria, such as Pseudomonas and Proteus.

[CAR(BOXY)- + blend of BENZYL and PENICILLIN.]

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Brand names: Geocillin®

Chemical formula:

Drug Forms:
• Carbenicillin tablets (below)
• Carbenicillin Indanyl Sodium Oral tablet

Espa�ol:
• Tabletas de carbenicilina
• Carbenicilina Indanil Sódica, Tableta oral

Carbenicillin tablets

What are carbenicillin tablets?

CARBENICILLIN (Geocillin®) is a penicillin antibiotic. Carbenicillin kills certain bacteria that cause infection, or stops their growth. It treats infections of the urinary tract and prostate gland. Generic carbenicillin tablets are not yet available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• asthma
• bleeding problems
• eczema
• kidney disease
• mononucleosis
• stomach problems (especially colitis)
• other chronic illness
• an unusual or allergic reaction to carbenicillin, other penicillins, cephalosporin antibiotics, imipenem, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Carbenicillin tablets are taken by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take carbenicillin 1 to 2 hours before or at least 2 hours after eating; taking it with food can make it less effective. Take with a full glass of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What drug(s) may interact with carbenicillin?

• blood thinners
• certain antibiotics given by injection
• clavulanic acid
• methotrexate
• probenecid

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking carbenicillin?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 2 or 3 days.

If you get severe or watery diarrhea, do not treat yourself. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

If you get a skin rash, do not treat yourself. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

If you are diabetic and taking large doses of carbenicillin, you may get a false-positive result for sugar in your urine. Check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

What side effects may I notice from taking carbenicillin?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• difficulty breathing, wheezing
• fever
• muscle cramps
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• seizures (convulsions)
• skin rash, itching
• stomach pain or cramps
• swelling
• severe or watery diarrhea
• unusual bleeding

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• diarrhea
• gas or heartburn
• nausea, vomiting

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.

(kär-bĕn'ĭ-sĭl'ĭn)
n.

A semisynthetic derivative of penicillin that is effective in the treatment of infections caused by certain susceptible strains of gram-negative bacteria.

An extended-spectrum penicillin, prepared as both the disodium and the potassium salt, particularly effective against gram-negative bacteria, including some strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus spp. Carbenicillin indanyl is suitable for oral administration.

n

A semisynthetic penicillin that is acid resistant and rapidly absorbed from the small intestine and thus suitable for oral administration.