What is Synercid?
Synercid, a combination of antibiotics, is used to treat severe or life-threatening infections caused by bacteria. Synercid treats severe infections in the skin and other parts of the body. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Synercid.
Synercid side effects
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
Synercide can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Diarrhea that is bloody or watery; severe stomach pain
- Pain, bruising, or swelling around the IV needle.
- Jaundice is a condition characterized by yellowing of both skin and eyes.
- A seizure (convulsions);
- Heart rate irregularity;
- Sudden numbness, weakness, headaches, difficulty speaking, and problems with balance
Synercid side effects may include:
- Mild irritation around the IV needle
- Rash;
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Amoxicillin, Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin, Cephalexin, Azthromycin, Metronidazole, and Clindamycin
Warnings
Please read all the instructions on the label or package of your medication. Inform your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, your allergies, and the medicines you are using.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to Synercid, then it is best not to use the product.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Synercid will be safe for you:
- An allergic reaction to any antibiotic
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease is a serious condition.
Synercid is not known to harm unborn babies. Inform your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant. It is unknown if dalfopristin or quinupristin can pass into breast milk and if they could have an effect on the nursing infant. Inform your doctor if breastfeeding is taking place.
How to take Synercid?
Synercid can be injected through an IV. This may involve an infusion pump or a central IV line, or "PICC". Most often, this medicine is administered in the hospital. You may also be taught how to use the IV at home. You should not administer this medication to yourself if you don't know how to inject the medicine and dispose of the needles, IV tubes, and other used items. Infusions of Synercid can take up to an hour. If you are experiencing problems with your IV or if the medicine is not flowing freely through the tubing, call your doctor immediately.
Synercid should be taken for a minimum of 7 days. Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Use this medication only as directed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or use it for a longer period of time.
Do not stop taking the medicine before it is completely cleared. You may experience improvement in your symptoms before the infection has completely resolved. You may increase your chances of a second infection resistant to antibiotics if you skip doses. Synercid does not treat viral infections, such as the flu or common cold. You can keep the medicine at home and store it in the refrigerator. Use the medicine before the date of expiration printed on the medicine label. Do not freeze.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you missed a Synercid dose, call your doctor to get instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. An overdose can lead to nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, tremors, and a loss of balance.
What should be avoided?
Antibiotics can cause diarrhea. This could be an indication of a new illness. Call your doctor if you experience diarrhea that is bloody or watery. You should only take anti-diarrhea medication if your doctor has prescribed it.
Interaction with other drug
Synercid can interact with many drugs. This list does not include all possible interactions. Tell your doctor if you are taking any new medications or if you will stop using any of your current medications.
- Methylprednisolone;
- Carbamazepine;
- Antiviral medicine to treat HIV/AIDS: delavirdine, indinavir, nevirapine, and ritonavir;
- Cancer medicine: docetaxel, paclitaxel, vinblastine, and vincristine;
- Heart or blood pressure medication—diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil;
- Medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection—cyclosporine, tacrolimus;
- A sedative—diazepam (Valium), midazolam,
- "Statin" cholesterol medications include Atorvastatin, Lovastatin and Simvastatin which can be found in Zocor Vytorin Crestor products among others.
This list isn't complete, and other drugs may interact with Synercid. Included are prescription and OTC medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Provide a list to your healthcare provider.
