TICARCILLIN

Ticarcillin is a semisynthetic, broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotic. It belongs to the group of extended-spectrum penicillins and is effective against a wide range of bacteria. Ticarcillin works by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, leading to bacterial cell death.

Indications

-Serious infections caused by susceptible bacteria. -Respiratory tract infections. -Urinary tract infections. Skin and soft tissue infections. Intra-abdominal infections. -Septicemia (including bacteremia) caused by ?-lactamase– producing strains of Klebsiella spp., E. coli, S. aureus, or P. aeruginosa (or other Pseudomonas species) -Lower Respiratory Infections caused by ?-lactamase– producing strains of S. aureus, H. influenzae, or Klebsiella spp. -Bone and Joint Infections caused by ?-lactamase– producing strains of S. aureus. -Skin and Skin Structure Infections caused by ?-lactamase– producing strains of S. aureus, Klebsiella spp., or E. coli. -Urinary Tract Infections (complicated and uncomplicated) caused by ? lactamase– producing strains of E. coli, Klebsiella spp., P. aeruginosa (or other Pseudomonas spp.), Citrobacter spp., Enterobacter cloacae, S. marcescens, or S. aureus. -Gynecologic Infections endometritis caused by ?-lactamase–producing strains of P. melaninogenicus,Enterobacter spp. (including E. cloacae), E. coli, K. pneumoniae, S. aureus, or S. epidermidis. -Intra-abdominal Infections peritonitis caused by ?-lactamase–producing strains of E. coli, K. pneumoniae, or B. fragilis group.

Dosage

-The dosage of ticarcillin varies depending on the type and severity of the infection. It is administered intravenously, and the dosage should be determined by a healthcare professional. Each 3.1-gram vial contains sterile ticarcillin disodium equivalent to 3 grams ticarcillin and sterile clavulanate potassium equivalent to 0.1 gram clavulanic acid. ANTIBIOTIC should be administered by intravenous infusion (30 min.) Adults: The usual recommended dosage for systemic and urinary tract infections for average (60 kg) adults is 3.1 grams of ANTIBIOTIC (3.1-gram vial containing 3 grams ticarcillin and 100 mg clavulanic acid) given every 4 to 6 hours. For gynecologic infections, ANTIBIOTIC should be administered as follows: Moderate infections, 200 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 6 hours, and for severe infections, 300 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 4 hours. For patients weighing less than 60 kg, the recommended dosage is 200 to 300 mg/kg/day, based on ticarcillin content, given in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours. -Pediatric Patients ( ? 3 months): For patients < 60 kg: In patients < 60 kg, ANTIBIOTIC is dosed at 50 mg/kg/dose based on the ticarcillin component. ANTIBIOTIC should be administered as follows: Mild to moderate infections, 200 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 6 hours; for severe infections, 300 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 4 hours. -For patients ? 60 kg: For mild to moderate infections, 3.1 grams of ANTIBIOTIC (3 grams of ticarcillin and 100 mg of clavulanic acid) administered every 6 hours; for severe infections, 3.1 grams every 4 hours. -Dosage for any individual patient must take into consideration the site and severity of infection, the susceptibility of the organisms causing infection, and the status of the patient's host defense mechanisms. -The duration of therapy depends upon the severity of infection. Generally, ANTIBIOTIC should be continued for at least 2 days after the signs and symptoms of infection have disappeared. The usual duration is 10 to 14 days; however, in difficult and complicated infections, more prolonged therapy may be required. -Appropriate culture and susceptibility tests should be performed before treatment in order to isolate and identify organisms causing infection and to determine their susceptibility to ticarcillin/clavulanic acid. Because of its broad spectrum of bactericidal activity against grampositive and gram-negative bacteria.

Contra-Indications

-Known hypersensitivity to ticarcillin or other beta-lactam antibiotics. -Previous severe allergic reactions to penicillins or cephalosporins. -Hypersensitivity.

Special Precautions

-Paediatric: The safety and effectiveness of ANTIBIOTIC have been established in the age group of 3 months to 16 years. -Pregnancy: Category B. use only if indicated. -Lactation: It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when ANTIBIOTIC is administered to a nursing woman. Elderly: No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and other adult patients. Caution in patients with a history of allergies or asthma. -Monitoring for superinfections. -Renal impairment may require dose adjustment. -Use with caution in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Side Effects

Mild diarrhea, gas,stomach pain,nausea,vomiting,joint or muscle pain,headache,skin rash,itching,injection site reactions (pain, swelling, or burning), and vaginal yeast infection (itching or discharge), Hypersensitivity Reactions

Drug Interactions

-Aminoglycosides, Probenecid -Probenecid may increase ticarcillin levels. -Concurrent use with aminoglycosides may have synergistic effects. -Oral contraceptives may be less effective during antibiotic therapy.