Drugs >  Nafcillin
Nafcillin
Pronunciation
Brand Names
Therapeutic Categories
Reasons not to take this medicine
What is this medicine used for?
How does it work?
How is it best taken?
What do I do if I miss a dose?
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
What are the common side effects of this medicine?
What should I monitor?
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
How should I store this medicine?
General statements

Pronunciation
(naf SIL in)

Brand Names
Nallpen®

Therapeutic Categories
Antibiotic, Penicillin

Reasons not to take this medicine

  • If you have an allergy to another penicillin, nafcillin, or any other part of the medicine.


What is this medicine used for?

  • This medicine is used as a treatment for a variety of bacterial infections.


How does it work?

  • Nafcillin makes the cell wall (skin) of the bacteria leaky and kills the bacteria.


How is it best taken?

  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Take on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
  • A liquid (solution) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
  • Use entire prescription as directed, even if feeling better.


What do I do if I miss a dose?

  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.


What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor). Can make infection more difficult to treat.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Birth control pills may not work. Use another form of birth control while taking this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.


What are the common side effects of this medicine?

  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
  • Diarrhea. Yogurt, Bifidobacterium bifidum , or Lactobacillus acidophilus may help. These products are available at health food stores or in some pharmacies.
  • Rash.
  • Vaginal irritation. Report itching or discharge to healthcare provider.


What should I monitor?

  • Watch for change in temperature or worsening of infection.


Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Fever and/or chills.
  • Severe nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.


How should I store this medicine?

  • Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.


General statements

  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicines.


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