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Common uses
Suprax, a cephalosporin antibiotic, is prescribed for bacterial infections of the chest, ears, urinary tract, and throat and for uncomplicated gonorrhea.
Before using
Before giving Suprax to your child or taking the medicine yourself, tell your doctor and pharmacist if:
- you are allergic or sensitive to penicillin, cephalosporins or any other drugs.
- you have any kidney problems.
- you are pregnant or breast feeding.
- the patient is under 6 months of age.
- you are receiving anticoagulant, carbamazepine or warfarin.
Always tell your doctor about any other medicine they are taking whether prescription or over-the-counter.
Directions
Suprax can be taken with or without food. If the medication causes stomach upset, take it with meals. Food, however, will slow down the rate at which medication is absorbed into your bloodstream.
If you are taking a liquid form of Suprax, use the specially marked measuring spoon to measure each dose accurately. Shake well before using.
It is important that you finish taking all of Suprax even if you are feeling better, in order to obtain the medicine's maximum benefit.
Cautions
Notify your doctor if you have had allergic reactions to penicillins or other cephalosporin antibiotics.
If you have a history of stomach or intestinal disease such as colitis, check with your doctor before taking Suprax.
If your symptoms of infection do not improve within a few days, or if they get worse, notify your doctor immediately.
If you suffer nausea, vomiting, or severe diarrhea while taking Suprax, check with your doctor before taking a diarrhea medication. Some of these medications, such as Lomotil and Paregoric, may make your diarrhea worse or cause it to last longer.
If you are a diabetic, it is important to note that Suprax may cause false urine-sugar test results. Notify your doctor that you are taking Suprax before being tested for sugar in the urine. Do not change diet or dosage of diabetes medication without first consulting with your doctor.
When prescribing Suprax, your doctor may perform laboratory tests to make certain it is effective against the bacteria causing the infection. Some bacteria do not respond to Suprax, so do not give it to other people or use it for other infections.
If you have a kidney disorder, check with your doctor before taking Suprax. You may need a reduced dose of Suprax because of your medical condition.
Repeated use of Suprax may result in an overgrowth of bacteria that do not respond to the medication and can cause a secondary infection. Therefore, do not save Suprax for use at another time. Take Suprax only when directed to do so by your doctor.
Possible side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Suprax.
• More common side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, gas, indigestion, loose stools, mild diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
If you take too much
Any medication taken in excess can cause symptoms of overdose. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
• Symptoms of Suprax overdose may include:
Blood in the urine, diarrhea, nausea, upper abdominal pain, vomiting
Additional information
If you are allergic to either penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics in any form, consult your doctor before taking Suprax. An allergy to either type of medication may signal an allergy to Suprax, and if a reaction occurs, it could be extremely severe. If you take the drug and feel signs of a reaction, seek medical attention immediately.
Drug interactions
When Suprax and the seizure medication Tegretol are used together, the amount of Tegretol in the bloodstream may show an increase. Suprax may also increase the effect of anticlotting drugs such as Coumadin.
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