Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

TICARCILLIN AND CLAVULANATE POTASSIUM - INJECTION

(tie-kar-SILL-in)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Timentin

Uses

This medication is an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of serious bacterial infections.

How To Use

This medication is given intravenously. It is diluted in fluid and infused slowly into a vein over 20 to 30 minutes. 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 directed. 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, nausea, or vomiting as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects continue or become severe, inform your doctor. Other side effects that have been reported with this medication include headache, trouble sleeping, swollen tongue, ringing in the ears, tingling of the hands or feet, fever and dizziness. Inform your doctor if these become bothersome. 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. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor if you have: any other illnesses, any allergies (especially to penicillin or other antibiotics). 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, sulfinpyrazone, warfarin, anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or aspirin, tetracyclines. This drug may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Discuss using other methods of birth control with your doctor. 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. 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

Prior to reconstitution store at room temperature. After reconstitution, the vial can be refrigerated for 3 days. Refrigerate piggyback or infusion device. Warm to room temperature before infusing. Check expiration date.