Sometimes the diseases we get are not good enough for ordinary medicines. Especially in cases of severe infections caused by bacteria, doctors have to give a stronger medicine. Today we are going to talk about a special medicine that is used in such cases, which is injected into a vein. The name of this medicine is Plazomicin. If the doctor has prescribed this medicine for you or someone you know, it is very important to know exactly what it is.
What kind of medicine is this? Simply about Plazomicin
Simply put, Plazomicin is a very powerful antibiotic. Its main function is to destroy bacteria that enter our bodies and cause disease. It belongs to a group of antibiotics called aminoglycosides. These are usually used to treat more complex and severe bacterial infections that are difficult to control with other antibiotics.
The most important thing is that this medicine only works on bacteria. It has no effect on diseases caused by viruses, such as colds and flu. Therefore, it is not advisable to use this kind of medicine without the advice of a doctor.
This medication is usually found under the brand name ZEMDRI.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Since Plazomicin is a very strong drug, it may interact with some conditions in your body. Therefore, it is essential to clearly explain your complete health history to your doctor before starting treatment. Especially if you have any of the following conditions, you should definitely tell them about them.
| Health condition or fact | Why is it important to inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Kidney disease | Plazomicin is eliminated from the body through the kidneys. If the kidneys are not functioning properly, the drug may accumulate in the body and increase side effects. |
| Hearing impairment or a family history of hearing loss | This medicine can sometimes affect your hearing. If you are already at risk, your doctor will be especially careful about this. |
| Nerve and muscle diseases such as myasthenia gravis | This medicine can increase muscle weakness. Therefore, it is essential to inform if you have such a medical condition. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | There have been reports of hearing problems in children of mothers who were given this medicine during pregnancy. So talk openly with your doctor about this. |
| Being a breastfeeding mother | You should discuss with your doctor whether the medication passes to the baby through breast milk and whether it will have any effect. |
| Having allergies to other medications, foods, or substances | If you have an allergy to Plazomicin or anything else, you should tell your doctor. |
How do you use this medicine?
Plazomicin is an intravenous (IV) injection, which means it cannot be swallowed like a pill.
- At the hospital or clinic: Most often, this medicine is given to you by medical staff while you are in a hospital or clinic.
- Home treatment: In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you take this medicine at home. If this is the case, you will be trained on how to prepare and administer it correctly. Never change the dose or stop taking the medicine before the prescribed time.
What do you do with used needles and syringes?
If you are taking this medicine at home, do not throw used needles and syringes in the regular trash. There is a special sharps container for them. If you do not have one, ask your doctor about how to obtain one.
What if the dosage of the medicine is increased (overdose)?
If you think you have accidentally taken too much medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
- If in the hospital: If you are unable to get to the hospital to get your medication on time, inform the medical team immediately.
- At home: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose. If in doubt, talk to your doctor.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Taking Plazomicin with other medications can cause dangerous reactions. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
| Medicines that should never be taken together | |
|---|---|
| |
| Other medications that can cause problems | |
| Painkillers | NSAIDs such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Naproxen. |
| Diuretics | Ex: Furosemide |
| Other anti-infectives | Medicines like Acyclovir, Amphotericin B, Vancomycin. |
| Anticancer | Medicines like Cisplatin. |
| Other | Cyclosporine, a medicine used to relax muscles during surgery, hormones, Pamidronate, Zoledronic acid. |
This list may not be complete, so tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
Doctors will be constantly monitoring your condition while you are taking this medicine. You should also be aware of these things.
- Symptoms: If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, tell your doctor right away.
- Blood tests: During treatment, you may need to have blood tests to check your kidney function and the level of medication in your blood.
- Hearing: Your hearing may be checked before you start taking this medicine and while you are taking it. If you experience ringing in your ears or hearing loss, tell your doctor immediately.
- Diarrhea: You may experience diarrhea while taking the medicine. However, if your diarrhea is severe and lasts for more than two days, do not take the medicine from the pharmacy and talk to your doctor.
- Vitamins: Make sure you get enough vitamins B6 and B12 while taking this medication. Talk to your doctor about the foods and vitamins you are taking.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Plazomicin can cause some side effects. Some are serious, while others are common. It is important to be aware of these.
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Kidney damage | Decreased urination, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Effects on hearing | Hearing loss, ringing in the ears. |
| Effects on the nervous system | Pain in the limbs, numbness, muscle weakness, difficulty walking, seizures. |
| Severe diarrhea | Severe, watery diarrhea with fever. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious (but should be reported to the doctor if they persist) | |
| Diarrhea | Headache |
| Nausea | Vomiting |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
Take-Home Message
- Plazomicin is a powerful, intravenous antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections. It does not work against viral infections.
- Before taking this medicine, be sure to tell your doctor about any kidney disease, hearing problems, pregnancy, and all other medications you are taking.
- If you experience any changes in hearing, decreased urination, or severe diarrhea while taking the medication, seek medical advice immediately.
- Do not stop taking the medication until you have completed the full course of treatment prescribed by your doctor.
- If you have any concerns or doubts, please talk to your doctor without making any decisions on your own.
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