Geocillin Side Effects
Generic name: carbenicillin
Note: This document contains side effect information about carbenicillin. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Geocillin.
Applies to carbenicillin: oral tablet.
Warning
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to carbenicillin or to any other penicillin antibiotic, such as amoxicillin (Amoxil), ampicillin (Omnipen, Principen), dicloxacillin (Dycill, Dynapen), oxacillin (Bactocill), penicillin (Beepen-VK, Ledercillin VK, Pen-V, Pen-Vee K, Pfizerpen, V-Cillin K, Veetids), and others.
Before using carbenicillin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to cephalosporins such as Ceclor, Ceftin, Duricef, Keflex, and others, or if you have asthma, kidney disease, a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, or a history of any type of allergy.
Carbenicillin can make birth control pills less effective, which may result in pregnancy. Before taking carbenicillin, tell your doctor if you use birth control pills.
Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Carbenicillin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
Do not share this medication with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
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diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
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fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
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easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
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urinating less than usual or not at all;
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severe skin rash, itching, or peeling;
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agitation, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior; or
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seizure (black-out or convulsions).
Less serious side effects of carbenicillin (the active ingredient contained in Geocillin) may include:
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nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
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vaginal itching or discharge;
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headache;
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swollen, black, or "hairy” tongue; or
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thrush (white patches or inside your mouth or throat).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to carbenicillin: oral tablet.
Gastrointestinal
Gastrointestinal side effects have included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bad taste, flatulence, glossitis, abdominal cramps, dry mouth, furry tongue, rectal bleeding, anorexia, loose stools, and epigastric distress. Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported rarely.[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity reactions have included anaphylaxis, rash, urticaria, pruritus, fever, and eosinophilia.[Ref]
Hematologic
Hematologic side effects have included anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia, and eosinophilia. Carbenicillin (the active ingredient contained in Geocillin) affects platelet aggregation and bleeding may occur.[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Cardiovascular side effects may include congestive heart failure resulting from the sodium content of carbenicillin (the active ingredient contained in Geocillin) [Ref]
Metabolic
Metabolic side effects may include hypokalemia.[Ref]
Hepatic
Hepatic side effects have included mild elevations of liver transaminases.[Ref]
Genitourinary
Genitourinary side effects have included vaginitis.[Ref]
Other
Other side effects have included itchy eyes and headache.[Ref]
More about Geocillin (carbenicillin)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Drug images
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: antipseudomonal penicillins
Related treatment guides
References
1. O'Meara TF, Simmons RA. Carbenicillin and pseudomembranous enterocolitis. Ann Intern Med. 1980;92:440-1.
2. Saadah HA. Carbenicillin and pseudomembranous enterocolitis. Ann Intern Med. 1980;93:645.
3. Huang NN, Palmer J, Keith H, Schidlow D, Braverman S, Goldberg M. Comparative efficacy and tolerance of azlocillin and carbenicillin in patients with cystic fibrosis: a double blind study. J Antimicrob Chemother. 1983;11:205-14.
4. Product Information. Geocillin (carbenicillin). Roerig Division. 2002;PROD.
5. Limbird LE, Gilman AG, eds., Hardman JG. Goodman and Gilman's the Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. 2001.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.
