Geocillin

Penicillins are used to treat infections caused by bacteria. They work by killing the bacteria or preventing their growth.

There are several different kinds of penicillins. Each is used to treat different kinds of infections. One kind of penicillin usually may not be used in place of another. In addition, penicillins are used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. They are sometimes given with other antibacterial medicines (antibiotics). Some of the penicillins may also be used for other problems as determined by your doctor. However, none of the penicillins will work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.

Penicillins are available only with your doctor's prescription.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Stop taking this medicine and get emergency help immediately if any of the following effects occur:

• Fast or irregular breathing
• fever
• joint pain
• lightheadedness or fainting (sudden)
• puffiness or swelling around the face
• red, scaly skin
• shortness of breath
• skin rash, hives, itching

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

• Abdominal or stomach cramps and pain (severe)
• abdominal tenderness
• convulsions (seizures)
• decreased amount of urine
• diarrhea (watery and severe), which may also be bloody
• mental depression
• nausea and vomiting
• pain at place of injection
• sore throat and fever
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• yellow eyes or skin

• Agitation or combativeness
• anxiety
• confusion
• fear of impending death
• feeling, hearing, or seeing things that are not real

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

• Diarrhea (mild)
• headache
• sore mouth or tongue
• vaginal itching and discharge
• white patches in the mouth and/or on the tongue

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

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

The following adverse reactions have been reported as possibly related to Geocillin administration in controlled studies which include 344 patients receiving Geocillin.

Gastrointestinal

The most frequent adverse reactions associated with Geocillin therapy are related to the gastrointestinal tract. Nausea, bad taste, diarrhea, vomiting, flatulence, and glossitis were reported. Abdominal cramps, dry mouth, furry tongue, rectal bleeding, anorexia, and unspecified epigastric distress were rarely reported.

Dermatologic

Hypersensitivity reactions such as skin rash, urticaria, and less frequently pruritus.

Hematologic

As with other penicillins, anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia, and eosinophilia have infrequently been observed. The clinical significance of these abnormalities is not known.

Miscellaneous

Other reactions rarely reported were hyperthermia, headache, itchy eyes, vaginitis, and loose stools.

Abnormalities of Hepatic Function Tests

Mild SGOT elevations have been observed following Geocillin administration.