Capastat

How does it work?

Capreomycin is a member of the aminoglycoside family of antibiotics. These antibiotics have the ability to kill a wide variety of bacteria, including bacteria responsible for causing tuberculosis (TB). Capreomycin binds to components in the bacterial cell which result in the production of abnormal proteins. These proteins are necessary for the bacteria's survival. Therefore the production of these abnormal proteins is ultimately fatal to the bacteria. Tuberculosis bacteria are difficult to eliminate, therefore capreomycin is given in combination with other medications that target the bacteria in different ways. If this medication is given alone the bacteria develop resistance. Capreomycin is only used when the bacteria are resistant to the drugs that are usually prescribed to treat TB. Capreomycin is not absorbed from the gut and is therefore only given by injection.

What is it used for?

Treatment of tuberculosis in combination with other drugs

Warning!

Monitoring of kidney and ear function should be carried out regularly whilst taking this medicine.

Your liver functioning should be monitored while you are taking this medicine. Symptoms that may suggest a liver problem include persistent nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, or the development of jaundice (a yellow colouring to the skin and the whites of the eyes). Consult your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

It is recommended that salt (electrolyte) levels in the blood should be monitored while taking this medicine.

Use with caution in

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Impaired hearing

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine should be used with caution by breastfeeding mothers, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Itching (pruritus)

Allergy to active ingredients (hypersensitivity)

Blood disorders

Rash (allergic reaction)

Hearing distubances

Damage to the kidneys

Pain at injection site

Alteration in results of liver function tests

Disturbances in the levels of chemical components (electrolytes) in the blood

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

There is an increased risk of damage to the kidneys and ears if capreomycin is taken with: -Vancomycin -Cisplatin -Aminoglycoside antibiotics There is an increased risk of kidney damage if capreomycin is taken with: -Colistin

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