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Unipen and Alcohol/Food Interactions

There are 2 alcohol/food/lifestyle interactions with Unipen (nafcillin).

Moderate

Nafcillin Food

Moderate Food Interaction

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Certain penicillins may exhibit reduced gastrointestinal absorption in the presence of food. The therapeutic effect of the antimicrobial may be reduced.

MANAGEMENT: The interacting penicillin should be administered one hour before or two hours after meals. Penicillin V and amoxicillin are not affected by food and may be given without regard to meals.

References (6)
  1. Neu HC (1974) "Antimicrobial activity and human pharmacology of amoxicillin." J Infect Dis, 129, s123-31
  2. Welling PG, Huang H, Koch PA, Madsen PO (1977) "Bioavailability of ampicillin and amoxicillin in fasted and nonfasted subjects." J Pharm Sci, 66, p. 549-52
  3. McCarthy CG, Finland M (1960) "Absorption and excretion of four penicillins." N Engl J Med, 263, p. 315-26
  4. Cronk GA, Wheatley WB, Fellers GF, Albright H (1960) "The relationship of food intake to the absorption of potassium alpha-phenoxyethyl penicillin and potassium phenoxymethyl penicillin from the gastrointestinal tract." Am J Med Sci, 240, p. 219-25
  5. Klein JO, Sabath LD, Finland M (1963) "Laboratory studies on oxacillin. I: in vitro activity against staphylococci and some other bacterial pathogens. II: absorption and urinary excretion in normal young." Am J Med Sci, 245, p. 399-411
  6. Neuvonen PJ, Elonen E, Pentikainen PJ (1977) "Comparative effect of food on absorption of ampicillin and pivampicillin." J Int Med Res, 5, p. 71-6

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Moderate

Nafcillin High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Moderate Potential Hazard, High plausibility

nafcillin - sodium/potassium

Each gram of parenteral nafcillin sodium contains approximately 67 mg (2.9 mEq) of sodium and is buffered with 40 mg of sodium citrate. Each 250 mg capsule of nafcillin sodium contains approximately 17 mg (0.7 mEq) of sodium buffered with calcium carbonate. The sodium content should be considered in patients with conditions that may require sodium restriction, such as congestive heart failure, hypertension, and fluid retention. In addition, hypokalemia has been reported rarely during therapy with the penicillinase-resistant penicillins, which may be particularly important to bear in mind when treating patients with low potassium reserves or fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Clinical monitoring of electrolytes is recommended if these agents are used for prolonged periods.

References (3)
  1. Schlaeffer F (1988) "Oxacillin-associated hypokalemia." Drug Intell Clin Pharm, 22, p. 695-6
  2. (2002) "Product Information. Unipen (nafcillin)." Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories
  3. Andreoli SP, Kleiman MB, Glick MR, Bergstein JM (1980) "Nafcillin, pseudoproteinuria, and hypokalemic alkalosis." J Pediatr, 97, p. 841-2

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Unipen drug interactions

There are 319 drug interactions with Unipen (nafcillin).

Unipen disease interactions

There are 4 disease interactions with Unipen (nafcillin) which include:

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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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