Drug/Lab interactions:

Novobiocin may cause -pseudojaundice - (yellow skin and plasma) . This may interfere with serum bilirubin and icterus index determinations. The drug may interfere with the uptake of biliary excretion of sulfobromophthalein in the bromsulphalein test.

Serious infections due to susceptible organisms

Blood dyscrasias including leukopenia, eosinophillia, hemolytic anemia, pancytopenia, agranulocytosis and thrombocytopenia.

Hypersens to the drug

Special Precautions:

Routinely monitor hepatic and hematologic studies. Discontinue use if liver dysfunction develops and if hemotologic studies show evidence of leukopena or blood dyscrasias. Use of antibiotics (especially prolonged or repeated therapy) may result in bacterial or fungal overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms. Take appropiate measures if superinfection occurs.

Indications:

Serious infections due to susceptible organisms

Dosage:

Adults- 250mg every 6 hours or 500mg every 12 hours. Continue for at least 48 hours after temperature has returned to normal and evidence of infection disappeared.

1. Complete full course of therapy.

2. Notify physician if skin rash, or hives every 12 hours. Continue for at least 48 hours after temperature has returned to normal and evidence of infection has returned.

Pharmacology:

Novobiocin, primarily bactriostatic, interferes with bacterial cell wall synthesis.

Pharmacokinetics:

Novobiocin is well absorbed from the GI tract. Peak serum levels which occur in 2 or 3 hours are higher when taken in the fasting state. The drug is highly bound to serum proteins (>90%) and diffusion into body fluids is poor. Small amounts may penetrate into cerbrospinal fluid if the meninges are inflamed. Excretion is primarily via the bile; is excreted in the urine.

Pregnancy:

Use only when needed.

Lactation:

Safety for use in nursing mother has not been established. Use with caution