What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some common questions about KEFLIN Neutral. It does not contain all the available information and does not take the place of talking to your doctor.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you using this medicine against the benefits they expect it will have for you.
If you have any concerns about being given this medicine, talk to your doctor.
Keep this leaflet with the medicine.
You may need to read it again.
What KEFLIN Neutral is used for
KEFLIN Neutral contains cefalotin (as cefalotin sodium) as the active ingredient. It belongs to a group of medicines called cephalosporins.
KEFLIN Neutral is an antibiotic used to treat serious infections in different parts of the body caused by bacteria.
It is also used to prevent possible infections before, during and after surgery.
KEFLIN Neutral works by killing the bacteria that are causing the infection.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why KEFLIN Neutral has been prescribed for you.
Your doctor may have prescribed it for another purpose.
This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.
There is no evidence that it is addictive.
Before you are given it
When you must not be given it
You must not be given KEFLIN Neutral if you have had an allergic reaction to:
- cefalotin
- sodium bicarbonate.
Signs of an allergic reaction may include shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty in breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or any other parts of the body; rash, itching or hives on the skin.
You must not be given this medicine if you have had a serious allergic reaction to any other cephalosporin antibiotic or penicillin antibiotic.
If you are allergic to a cephalosporin or a penicillin, you may have an increased chance of being allergic to KEFLIN Neutral.
You must not be given this medicine after the expiry date has passed or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
If you are not sure whether you should be given KEFLIN Neutral, talk to your doctor.
Before you are given it
Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any other medicines or any foods, preservatives or dyes.
Tell your doctor if you have or have had any of the following conditions:
- kidney disease
- history of severe bowel condition or disease.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.
KEFLIN Neutral passes into breast milk and may affect your baby.
If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell them before you are given KEFLIN Neutral.
Taking other medicines
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines may be affected by KEFLIN Neutral or may affect how it works. You may need to be given different amounts of your medicine or you may need to be given different medicines. These include:
- aminoglycoside antibiotics.
Your doctor has more information on medicines to be careful with or to avoid while being given KEFLIN Neutral.
How it is given
How it is given
KEFLIN Neutral is a sterile powder which is dissolved and then further diluted before use. It can be given:
- into a vein via a drip
- as a slow injection into a vein
- as a deep injection into a large muscle
- in fluid that is injected into the abdomen (peritoneal dialysis).
Your doctor or nurse will inject KEFLIN Neutral for you.
How much is given
Your doctor will decide what dose and for how long you will be given KEFLIN Neutral. This depends on the type of infection and other factors such as your age, weight and any pre-existing kidney problems.
For most infections, KEFLIN Neutral is usually given in divided doses throughout the day.
If you are given too much (overdose)
As KEFLIN Neutral is given to you under the supervision of your doctor, it is very unlikely that you will receive too much.
However, if you experience any side effects after being given KEFLIN Neutral, tell your doctor immediately.
While you are receiving it
Things you must do
Tell your doctor if the symptoms of your infection do not improve within a few days or if they become worse.
Tell all doctors and health care professionals who are treating you that you are receiving KEFLIN Neutral, especially if you are about to be started on any new medicines.
Tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse immediately if you get severe diarrhoea. Do this even if it occurs several weeks after KEFLIN Neutral has been stopped.
Diarrhoea may mean that you have a serious condition affecting your bowel. You may need urgent medical care.
Do not take any diarrhoea medicine without first checking with your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while you are receiving KEFLIN Neutral.
If you have to test your urine for sugar while you are being given KEFLIN Neutral, make sure your doctor knows which type of test you use.
KEFLIN may affect the results of these tests.
Side effects
Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are being given KEFLIN Neutral.
All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you experience some of the side effects.
Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
Tell your doctor or nurse if you notice any of the following side effects and they worry you:
- pain, swelling or red skin at the injection site
- diarrhoea.
These are the more common side effects of this medicine and are usually mild.
Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you notice any of the following side effects:
- watery and severe diarrhoea, which may also be bloody
- severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers
- skin problems such as rash or itchiness
- bruising more easily than normal
- signs of anaemia, such as tiredness, being short of breath and looking pale
- yellowing of the skin and eyes, also called jaundice
- swelling of the face, lips, mouth or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing.
These side effects are rare but may be serious. You may need medical attention.
Tell your doctor if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell, even if you think the problems are not connected with this medicine and are not referred to in this leaflet.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients.
Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects.
You may not experience any of them.
After using it
After you have received KEFLIN
Tell your doctor immediately or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital if any of the following happen, particularly if they occur several weeks after stopping treatment with KEFLIN:
- severe abdominal cramps or stomach cramps
- watery and severe diarrhoea, which may also be bloody
- fever, in combination with one or both of the above.
These are rare but serious side effects. You may have a serious condition affecting your bowel. Therefore, you may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation. However, these side effects are rare.
Do not take any diarrhoea medicine without first checking with your doctor.
Storage
KEFLIN Neutral will be stored in the pharmacy or on the ward. It is kept in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.
Product Description
What it looks like
KEFLIN Neutral is a white to off-white crystalline powder in a glass vial with a rubber stopper. The powder is dissolved and then further diluted in suitable sterile solutions before it is injected.
It is available in packs of 10 vials.
Ingredients
Active ingredient:
Each vial contains 1 g cefalotin (as cefalotin sodium.).
Inactive ingredient:
- sodium bicarbonate.
Sponsor
Aspen Pharmacare Australia Pty Ltd
34-36 Chandos St
St Leonards NSW 2065
Australian Registration Number:
AUST R 14646
This leaflet was revised in November 2010.