Geocillin Side Effects

Generic name: carbenicillin

Note: This document provides detailed information about Geocillin Side Effects associated with carbenicillin. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Geocillin.

Applies to carbenicillin: oral tablet.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

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:

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;

• urinating less than usual or not at all;

• severe skin rash, itching, or peeling;

• agitation, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior; or

• seizure (black-out or convulsions).

Less serious side effects of carbenicillin (the active ingredient contained in Geocillin) may include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;

• vaginal itching or discharge;

• headache;

• swollen, black, or "hairy” tongue; or

• 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 adverse events

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]

Further information

Geocillin side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer