Cefamandole is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat a host of infections and is usually delivered by injection into the vein or muscle. Some of the conditions that cefamandole may be useful in treating can include pneumonia, urinary tract and skin infections. There are some people who do not tolerate antibiotics very well and this drug should always be taken under the supervision of a medical doctor. It is recommended that people do not consume alcohol while taking cefamandole as this could cause a sudden negative reaction and may also decrease the efficacy of the drug itself. Doctors will often monitor patients by taking blood tests to check how they are tolerating the antibiotic.
There is a wide range of infections that cefamandole can be used to treat. These can include blood poisoning caused by streptococcus bacteria, bacterial pneumonia, urinary tract infections, certain respiratory infections and prevention of bacterial infection prior to surgery.
Cefamandole is typically injected and a doctor may provide the patient with an appropriate supply of medication and delivery tools, as well as demonstrate how to administer the injection. The shot is generally given to the arms or buttocks. For the medicine to be effective it needs to be taken on a regular basis and if a dose is missed it should be taken as soon as possible to maintain the levels in the blood. It is recommended that patients contact their doctor if more than one dose is missed. The medication is generally stored in a fridge when not in use, with care taken not to allow it to freeze, and taken out at least one hour prior to the next dose.
There are a number of side effects that are associated with taking cefamandole. Some of these can include swelling of the face, diarrhea, breathing difficulties and hives. Any of these symptoms should be reported to a doctor as soon as possible. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also inform their doctors before taking the drug. Other conditions patients should inform medical personnel about include kidney and liver disease and if there has ever been a negative reaction to antibiotics in the past.
Patients should be aware of the signs and symptoms of further infection while taking cefamandole. This may mean that the medication is not as effective as it can be and a doctor may change the type of antibiotic currently being administered. These symptoms can include nighttime sweats, fever, excessive tiredness and loss of appetite.