Brand Name(s): Synercid

Generic Name Dalfopristin and Quinipristin Injection

What is dalfopristin; quinupristin (Synercid^®) injection?

DALFOPRISTIN; QUINUPRISTIN (Synercid^®) is an antibiotic. It is used to treat certain infections that are resistant to the antibiotic vancomycin and for certain skin infections. Generic Synercid^® injection is not available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive Synercid^®?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• liver disease
• other chronic illness
• an unusual or allergic reaction to dalfopristin, quinupristin, or other antibiotics, drugs, foods, dyes or preservatives.
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Synercid^® injection is for infusion into a vein. Infusions of Synercid^® are usually given in the hospital or clinic, or by a home health-care nurse. Finish the full course of medicine prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you feel better. Do not stop using except on your prescriber's advice.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with Synercid^®?

• astemizole
• benzodiazepine drugs (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, midazolam, triazolam)
• birth control pills
• calcium-channel blockers, often used to treat high blood pressure or chest pain (examples: amlodipine, bepridil, diltiazem, felodipine, isradipine, nifedipine, nimodipine, nisoldipine, verapamil)
• carbamazepine
• certain medicines for high cholesterol (atorvastatin, cerivastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin)
• certain medicines for treating cancer
• certain medicines to control the heart rhythm (diltiazem, disopyramide, dofetilide, quinidine, verapamil)
• cisapride
• clarithromycin
• cyclosporine
• donepezil
• doxercalciferol
• erythromycin
• fexofenadine
• methylprednisolone
• paricalcitol
• tacrolimus
• terfenadine
• trimetrexate

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Synercid^®?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• breathing difficulty
• dizziness, fainting spells, loss of balance
• fever or chills
• flushing of the face and neck (reddening)
• muscle or joint pain
• numbness or tingling in extremities
• pain at the injection site
• rapid or missed heartbeats
• severe diarrhea
• skin rash, itching
• swelling of the arms, hands, legs, or feet
• unusual pains, muscle weakness, or tiredness
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation
• difficulty sleeping
• headache
• mild diarrhea
• nausea
• upset stomach

What should I watch for while taking Synercid^®?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in a few days.

Let your prescriber or health care professional know if you get diarrhea. Do not treat yourself. Some diarrhea medicine will make your diarrhea worse.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store unopened vials in a refrigerator at 2 to 8 °C (36 to 46 °F). After dissolving the powder store the injection solution in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 °C (36 and 46 °F). Reconstituted infusion solutions should be diluted within 30 minutes. Vials are for single use only. Throw away any unused portion.