Bicillin C-R

This medication is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. This medication is known as a long-acting natural penicillin antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

This medication should not be used to treat sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., syphilis, gonorrhea).

See also Warning section.

This medication is given by injection into a large muscle as directed by your doctor.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. For children, the dosage is also based on weight.

If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

For the best effect, follow your doctor's directions for when to receive this antibiotic, and make sure to not miss any doses.

Continue to receive this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Pain at the injection site, nausea, or vomiting may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: severe pain/peeling skin at injection site, joint/muscle pain, headache, vision changes, fast/slow/pounding heartbeat, numbness/tingling of arms/legs, pain/redness/swelling of arms/legs, change in skin color near injection site or on arms/legs, uncontrolled movements, inability to move, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), new signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), easy bruising/bleeding, dark/cloudy urine, seizures, mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, agitation).

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest pain, slurred speech, fainting.

This medication has rarely caused a very serious (possibly fatal) blood disorder (methemoglobinemia). This effect is more likely if you have breathing problems, certain diseases of the blood, or if you smoke (see also Precautions section). The symptoms of this disorder may occur within minutes to a couple of hours after using this medication. Stop using this medication and get medical help right away if you develop any symptoms of methemoglobinemia, including: headache, confusion, dizziness, shortness of breath, tiredness, pale/bluish/gray skin, fast heartbeat.

This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to a type of resistant bacteria. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid medications if you have any of the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool.

Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics; or to procaine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, breathing problems (such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, smoking history), heart disease, certain blood disorders (G6PD deficiency, pyruvate kinase deficiency, hemoglobin-M disease, NADH-methemoglobin reductase deficiency).

Penicillin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work as well. Do not have any immunizations/vaccinations while using this medication unless your doctor tells you to.

Older adults may be at greater risk for side effects while using this drug.

Newborns/infants may be at greater risk for side effects while using this drug.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store in the refrigerator between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C). Do not freeze. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), methotrexate, NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, indomethacin), tetracyclines.

Low-dose aspirin should be continued if prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams per day). Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including certain urine glucose tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: seizures, confusion, mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation).

For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., kidney function, complete blood count) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.