Drug Notes

Nafcillin (By injection)

Nafcillin (naf-SIL-in)

Treats infections caused by bacteria. This medicine belongs to a class of drugs called penicillins.

Brand Name(s):

Nafcillin Novaplus

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

If a dose is missed:

• You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• If you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine, containers, and other supplies. Throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using tetracycline antibiotics (such as doxycycline, minocycline, Minocin®, or Sumycin®), cyclosporine (Sandimmune®, Neoral®), or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have asthma, liver disease, or kidney disease.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are allergic to cephalosporin antibiotics, such as cefaclor, cefadroxil, cephalexin, or Ceclor®.
• 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.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

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
• Black or hairy tongue.
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed.
• Red or dark brown urine.
• Seizures.
• Severe diarrhea, especially if it is bloody, or severe stomach cramps or pain.
• Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Unusual weakness or tiredness.

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

• Mild diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
• Muscle or joint pain.
• Skin rash.

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

Last Updated: 1/27/2017