Pivmecillinam is used to treat bladder infections
(urinary tract infections) in women. This medication is a penicillin-type
antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It
will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Using any
antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future
infections.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually 3 times a day.
For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly
spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same times
every day.
Continue to take this medication until the full
prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days.
Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the
infection.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets
worse.
Nausea, diarrhea, or headache may occur. If any of these
effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- muscle pain/weakness
- unusual tiredness
- signs of low blood sugar (such as sudden sweating, shaking,
fast heartbeat)
- mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, confusion)
This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal
condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur
during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your
doctor right away if you develop:
- diarrhea that doesn't stop
- abdominal or stomach pain/cramping
- blood/mucus in your stool
If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or
opioid products because they may make symptoms worse.
This medication may sometimes cause oral thrush or a new
yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your
mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new
symptoms.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- fever that doesn't go away
- new or worsening lymph node swelling
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking pivmecillinam, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to related antibiotics (such as
penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems); or if you have any other
allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause
allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- a certain metabolic disorder (carnitine deficiency)
- a certain blood disorder (porphyria)
- kidney disease
Pivmecillinam may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as
typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your health care professional that
you are using pivmecillinam before having any
immunizations/vaccinations.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
A product that may interact with this drug
is:
If this medication is used during pregnancy, it may
interfere with certain lab tests for the newborn (such as the newborn
screening test), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab
personnel and all the doctors know you use this drug.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed for your current
condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your
doctor tells you to.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Keep the medication in the blister pack until ready to use. Do not store in
the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.