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Gantrisin |
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What is Gantrisin and why is it prescribed? Gantrisin is a children's medication prescribed for the treatment of severe, repeated, or long-lasting urinary tract infections. These include pyelonephritis, pyelitis, and cystitis. This drug is also used to treat bacterial meningitis, and is prescribed as a preventive measure for children who have been exposed to meningitis. Some middle ear infections are treated with Gantrisin in combination with penicillin or erythromycin. Toxoplasmosis can be treated with Gantrisin in combination with pyrimethamine (Daraprim). Malaria that does not respond to the drug chloroquine (Aralen) can be treated with Gantrisin in combination with other drug treatment. Gantrisin is also used in the treatment of bacterial infections such as trachoma and inclusion conjunctivitis, nocardiosis, and chancroid. Notify your doctor at the first sign of a reaction such as skin rash, sore throat, fever, joint pain, cough, shortness of breath, or other breathing difficulties, abnormal skin paleness, reddish or purplish skin spots or yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes. Rare but severe reactions, sometimes fatal, have occurred with the use of sulfa drugs such as Gantrisin. These reactions include sudden and severe liver damage, agranulocytosis, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Children taking sulfa drugs such as Gantrisin should have frequent blood counts. How should you take Gantrisin? Follow your doctors directions for taking Gantrisin. Be sure your child takes Gantrisin exactly as prescribed. It is important that the child drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication in order to prevent crystals in the urine and the formation of stones. Gantrisin is available as a suspension and should be shaken well before each dose. To ensure an accurate dose, ask your pharmacist for a specially marked measuring spoon. Gantrisin works best when there is a constant amount in the blood and urine. To help keep a constant level, try to make sure that your child does not miss any doses and takes them at evenly spaced intervals, around the clock. If you miss a dose give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Keep Gantrisin in the container it came in, tightly closed. Store it at room temperature, away from moist places and direct light. Are there any Gantrisin side effects? Gantrisin side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Gantrisin side effects may include abdominal bleeding, abdominal pain, allergic reactions, anemia and other blood disorders, angioedema, anxiety, bluish discoloration of the skin, chills, colitis, convulsions, cough, dark, tarry stools, depression, diarrhea, disorientation, dizziness, drowsiness, enlarged salivary glands, enlarged thyroid, exhaustion, fainting, fatigue, fever, flushing, gas, hallucinations, headache, hearing loss, hepatitis, hives, inability to fall or stay asleep, inability to urinate, increased urination, inflammation of the mouth or tongue, itching, joint pain, kidney failure, lack of feeling or concern, lack of muscle coordination, lack or loss of appetite, low blood sugar, muscle pain, nausea, palpitations, presence of blood or crystals in urine, rapid heartbeat, reddish or purplish skin spots, retention of urine, ringing in the ears, sensitivity to light, serum sickness, severe skin welts or swelling, shortness of breath, skin eruptions, skin rash, swelling due to fluid retention, tingling or pins and needles, vertigo, vomiting, weakness, and yellow eyes and skin. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Gantrisin? If Gantrisin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Gantrisin with Blood-thinning drugs (such as Coumadin), Methotrexate (an anticancer drug), or Oral diabetes drugs (such as Micronase). Are there any special warnings about Gantrisin? If your child has impaired kidney or liver function, or severe allergies or bronchial asthma, make sure your doctor knows about it. Caution should be exercised when taking Gantrisin. An analysis of urine and kidney function should be performed by your doctor during treatment with Gantrisin, especially if your child has a kidney problem. If your child develops a skin rash, stop Gantrisin therapy and call your doctor. Also notify the doctor if your child develops diarrhea. |
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