Carbenicillin is an antibiotic in the same group of drugs as penicillin, and is used to treat bacterial infections. It kills bacteria that cause a variety of infections, such as bladder infections. While most people do not experience any significant side effects while taking this medication, some side effects are possible, and there are some precautions that need to be followed while using carbenicillin.
The most common side effect is gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Watery or bloody diarrhea can indicate a more serious reaction, as can fever or chills, weakness, easy bleeding or bruising, severe rash or skin irritation, problems urinating, confusion, or seizures. Patients who are experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention right away. Hives, swelling, and problems breathing are signs of a serious allergic reaction, which is a rare but potential emergency situation.
It is important not to miss doses of carbenicillin, or the infection could recur. Patients may start to feel better quite soon after starting antibiotic treatment, but they should continue to take the full dosage schedule prescribed to them. Overuse of antibiotics or stopping treatment before it is complete can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Antibiotics such as carbenicillin are only useful for treating bacterial infections. They should not be used to treat viral infections, such as the common cold. Previously prescribed carbenicillin should not be used later to treat the patient or anyone else because different infections and different people require different medications.
This medication should not be used by people who are allergic to penicillin, and people with allergies to other types of drugs should consult with a doctor before taking carbenicillin. The prescribing doctor also needs to know if a patient has a history of asthma, kidney problems, or a bleeding disorder. Women who are pregnant or nursing a baby should make sure their doctors know about this.
The effectiveness of birth control pills can be affected by carbenicillin treatment, so women taking birth control pills should speak to their doctors about this and use a backup method of contraception while being treated. Other medications can also interact with this medication, and the prescribing doctor needs to know about all drugs taken, including over the counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Antibiotic treatment can affect the results of other medical tests, and any doctor treating a person taking this medication should be told about his or her use of it.