Cefoperazone (Intramuscular, Intravenous)

Cefoperazone injection is used to treat bacterial infections in various parts of the body.

Cefoperazone injection is part of a group of medicines called cephalosporin antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria or stopping their growth. However, this medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the supervision of your doctor.

It is very important that your doctor check your progress while you are receiving this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to receive it. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This medicine may cause a serious allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis. This can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after receiving this medicine.

Serious skin reactions (eg, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, exfoliative dermatitis) can occur with this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, red skin lesions, severe acne or a skin rash, sores or ulcers on the skin, or fever or chills with this medicine.

Cefoperazone injection may cause diarrhea, and in some cases, it can be severe and may occur 2 months or more after you stop receiving this medicine. Do not take any medicine or give medicine to your child to treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor. Diarrhea medicines may make the diarrhea worse or make it last longer. If you have any questions about this or if mild diarrhea continues or gets worse, check with your doctor.

This medicine may cause bleeding problems. Check with your doctor right away if you have any unusual bleeding or bruising, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine or stools, headache, dizziness, or weakness, pain, swelling, or discomfort in a joint, pinpoint red spots on your skin, unusual nosebleeds, or unusual vaginal bleeding that is heavier than normal.

Before you have any medical tests, tell the medical doctor in charge that you are receiving this medicine. The results of some tests may be affected by this medicine.

Do not drink alcohol during treatment and after you receive this medicine.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to consider the risks of taking the medicine against the benefits it may provide. Here are some important points to consider for this medicine:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your health care professional know if you have other allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

There have not been appropriate studies conducted on the effects of cefoperazone injection in children. Its safety and effectiveness have not been established for this age group.

Geriatric

Studies done so far have not shown any specific problems that would limit the use of cefoperazone injection in elderly patients. However, older adults are more likely to have age-related liver, kidney, or heart issues, which may require caution and possible dose adjustments for those receiving cefoperazone injection.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medicine while breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits and risks before taking this medication during breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while others may be used together even if there is a chance of interaction. If you are receiving this medicine, it is important for your healthcare professional to know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions are significant but not exhaustive.

Using this medicine with any of the following is generally not recommended, but may be necessary in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed, your doctor may adjust the dose or frequency of one or both medicines.

• Cholera Vaccine, Live
• Heparin

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be taken around the time of eating certain foods, as interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with some medicines can also lead to interactions. The following interactions are significant but not exhaustive.

Using this medicine with any of the following is usually not recommended, but may be unavoidable in some situations. If used together, your doctor may adjust the dose or frequency of this medicine or provide special instructions regarding food, alcohol, or tobacco.

• Ethanol

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical issues may influence the use of this medicine. Be sure to inform your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, especially:

• History of alcohol abuse
• Malabsorption issues (e.g., cystic fibrosis) or
• Poor nutrition status—May increase the risk of vitamin K deficiency.

• History of allergy to beta-lactam antibiotics—Should not be used in these patients.

• Bleeding disorders or
• Kidney disease or
• History of stomach or bowel disease (e.g., colitis)—Use with caution. May worsen these conditions.

• Liver disease—Use with caution. The effects may be stronger due to slower removal of the medicine from the body.

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.

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

Rare

• Black, tarry, stools
• bluish color of the skin
• chills
• cough
• dark urine
• difficulty in breathing or swallowing
• fast heartbeat
• fever
• general tiredness and weakness
• light-colored stools
• lower back or side pain
• nausea
• pain or swelling at the injection site
• painful or difficult urination
• pale skin
• skin itching, rash, or redness
• sore throat
• stomach cramps
• swelling of the face, throat, or tongue
• swelling of the foot or leg
• tenderness
• ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• upper right stomach pain
• vomiting
• watery or bloody diarrhea
• yellow eyes and skin

Incidence not known

• Bleeding gums
• bleeding under the skin
• blistering, peeling, loosening of the skin
• blood in the urine or stools
• clay-colored stools
• cold, clammy skin
• confusion
• coughing up blood
• dizziness
• fast, weak pulse
• headache
• increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding
• joint or muscle pain
• lightheadedness
• loss of appetite
• nosebleeds
• paralysis
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• prolonged bleeding from cuts
• red, irritated eyes
• red or black, tarry stools
• red or dark brown urine
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• stomach pain
• sweating
• unpleasant breath odor
• vomiting of blood

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.

Pharmacologic Class: Third generation cephalosporins

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It is given as a shot into a muscle or through a needle placed into a vein.

You should receive every dose that is prescribed to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop receiving the medicine too soon.