Sometimes when your doctor prescribes a strong medication, especially an intravenous injection, it's normal to feel a little curious, and maybe even nervous. Plazomicin is one such drug. It's a powerful drug that's usually prescribed to treat severe bacterial infections. So today, let's talk about this drug, how it works, what to watch out for, and its side effects, all in a simple way.
What kind of medicine is Plazomicin?
Simply put, Plazomicin is an antibiotic drug that belongs to the aminoglycoside class. Its main function is to kill certain types of bacteria that have entered our body and cure infections caused by them.
One very important thing to remember: This medicine only works for bacterial infections . It will not help with the common cold, flu, or other viral infections. So only use this medicine if prescribed by a doctor.
This drug is also known by the brand name ZEMDRI.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine for you, he or she should have a complete picture of your health condition. This information will determine whether or not this medicine is right for you, and how it should be given. Therefore, be sure to inform your doctor about the following:
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction to Plazomicin or any other medicine in the aminoglycoside group.
- If you have an allergy to foods, drinks, or medicines containing sulfites.
- If you have any kidney disease .
- If you have any hearing problems or ringing in the ears.
- If you have a muscle weakness condition such as myasthenia gravis .
- If you are currently pregnant, or are hoping to become pregnant in the near future.
- If you are a nursing mother .
How do you use this medicine?
Plazomicin is an injection that is given as a saline solution into a vein (infusion into a vein). This is usually given to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic.
However, in some special cases, you may need to take this medicine at home. In that case, a health professional will teach you how to prepare it and inject yourself. You need to be very careful to use the correct dose at the correct time, as your doctor tells you .
What do you do with used needles?
This is very important. Never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. There is a special sharps container designed specifically for their disposal. If you don't have one, ask your doctor how to get one.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, i.e. more than the prescribed dose, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Alternatively, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Can this interact with other medications? (Drug Interactions)
Yes, Plazomicin can interact with some other medications you are taking. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking—prescribed medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbal products, and more.
| Never take this medicine with | |
|---|---|
| Cidofovir | This is another powerful drug and can cause severe side effects when taken together with Plazomicin. |
| Other medications that can cause problems | Examples and descriptions |
|---|---|
| Diuretics | Ex: Furosemide |
| Pain and inflammation relievers (NSAIDs) | Eg: Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac |
| Other anti-infectives | Drugs like Acyclovir, Amphotericin B, Vancomycin. |
| Some anti-cancer drugs | Ex: Cisplatin |
| Immune-suppressing drugs | Ex: Cyclosporine |
| Muscle relaxants given during surgery | It is important to inform the anesthesiologist about this. |
| Birth control pills | Ask your doctor if this medication can affect the effectiveness of birth control pills. |
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Plazomicin can cause side effects in some people. Some are minor, but others require immediate attention.
| Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergy symptoms | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Effects on the kidneys | Difficulty urinating, change in the amount of urine you pass, swelling in your legs or ankles. |
| Effects on the auditory system | Hearing loss, ringing in the ears, dizziness, loss of balance. |
| Severe diarrhea | If you have bloody or watery diarrhea. |
| Other features | Unexplained fever, unusual tiredness, or weakness. |
| If it persists or is bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Headache | Minor headache. |
| Nausea and vomiting | Nausea that may occur after taking the medicine. |
| Diarrhea | Slight bowel movements (not bloody or watery). |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Plazomicin is a powerful antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It does not work against viral infections such as the common cold.
- Before taking this medicine, be sure to tell your doctor about all other medical conditions you have and all other medicines you are taking.
- If you suspect an overdose, immediately go to the National Poisons Information Center or the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
- If you experience severe diarrhea, hearing loss, allergic symptoms such as facial swelling, or problems urinating, notify your doctor immediately.
- This medicine should only be used as directed by your doctor. Do not share it with others for any reason.
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