Why is this medicine prescribed?
Nafcillin injection is used to treat infections caused by certain types of bacteria. Nafcillin injection is in a class of medications called penicillins. It works by killing bacteria.
Antibiotics such as nafcillin injection will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.
Are there other uses for this medicine?
Nafcillin injection is also sometimes used to prevent infection in people who are having surgery. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication for your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Nafcillin injection comes as a powder to be mixed with fluid or as a premixed product and injected intravenously (into a vein) or intramuscularly (into a muscle). It is given twice a day or every 4 to 6 hours. The length of your treatment depends on the type of infection you have.
You may receive nafcillin injection in a hospital or you may administer the medication at home. If you will be receiving nafcillin injection at home, your healthcare provider will show you how to use the medication. Be sure that you understand these directions, and ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions.
You should begin to feel better during the first few days of treatment with nafcillin injection. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, call your doctor.
Use nafcillin injection until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop using nafcillin injection too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before receiving nafcillin injection,
- tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this medication, any part of this medication, or any other medications, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
- some medications should not be taken with nafcillin injection. Other medications may cause dosing changes or extra monitoring when taken with nafcillin injection. Make sure you have discussed any medications you are currently taking or plan to take before starting nafcillin injection with your doctor and pharmacist. Before starting, stopping, or changing any medications while taking nafcillin injection, please get the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
- you should know that nafcillin injection may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills, patches, rings, and injections). You will need to use another method of contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking nafcillin injection. Talk to your doctor about other ways to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medication.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had allergies, asthma, heart failure, or kidney or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while receiving nafcillin injection, call your doctor.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do in case of overdose?
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help . If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
What side effects can this medicine cause?
Nafcillin injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if this symptom is severe or does not go away:
- diarrhea
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- severe diarrhea (watery or bloody stools) that may occur with or without fever and stomach cramps (may occur up to 2 months or more after your treatment)
- hives, rash, itching, fever, that may occur along with stomach, muscle, or joint pain
- difficulty swallowing or breathing; swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; hoarseness
- dizziness or fainting
- tenderness, warmth, redness, swelling, or pain near the injection site
Nafcillin injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch ) or by phone ( 1-800-332-1088).What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Your healthcare provider will tell you how to store your medication. Store your medication only as directed. Make sure you understand how to store your medication properly.
Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach https://www.upandaway.org Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to nafcillin injection.
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are receiving nafcillin injection.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the nafcillin injection, call your doctor.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.