Brand name:

Suprax

Why is Suprax prescribed?

Suprax, a cephalosporin antibiotic, is prescribed for bacterial infections of the chest, ears, urinary tract, and throat and for uncomplicated gonorrhea.

Most important fact about Suprax

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.

How should you take Suprax?

Suprax can be taken with or without food. If Suprax 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.

--If you miss a dose...

If you are taking Suprax once a day and you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Wait at least 10 to 12 hours before taking your next dose. Then return to your regular schedule.

If you are taking Suprax 2 times a day and you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember and take your next dose 5 to 6 hours later. Then go back to your regular schedule.

If you are taking Suprax 3 times a day and you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember and take your next dose 2 to 4 hours later. Then return to your regular schedule.

--Storage instructions...

Suprax liquid may be kept for 14 days, either at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Keep the bottle tightly closed. Do not store in damp places. Keep out of reach of children and away from direct light and heat. Discard any unused portion after 14 days.

Suprax 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.

• Side effects may include:
  Abdominal pain, gas, indigestion, loose stools, mild diarrhea, nausea, vomiting

Why should Suprax not be prescribed?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Suprax, other cephalosporin antibiotics, or any form of penicillin, you should not take Suprax. Make sure that your doctor is aware of any drug reactions that you have experienced.

Special warnings about Suprax

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 Suprax 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 food and drug interactions when taking Suprax

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.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Suprax during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Suprax may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Suprax is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding your baby until your treatment with Suprax is finished.

Recommended dosage for Suprax

ADULTS

Overdosage

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