Carbenicillin (kar-ben-i-SIL-in)

Treats urinary infections caused by certain bacteria. This medicine is a penicillin antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
• This medicine is not for long-term use.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how carbenicillin works. Tell your doctor if you are taking probenecid.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you have kidney disease, or you had an allergic reaction to a cephalosporin antibiotic.
• Do not use this medicine for any infection that has not been checked by your doctor.
• This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, or body aches
• Severe stomach pain, vomiting, or bloody stools or diarrhea
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dry mouth, bad taste in your mouth
• Loss of appetite, mild nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Mild skin rash or itching
• Redness or pain in your tongue

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088