ADAP drugs: capreomycin

capreomycin (Capastat)

Drug description

Capreomycin is used to treat MAC and tuberculosis (TB). A number of different drugs are being tried for prevention and maintenance treatment of MAC. MAC is related to TB, but no one drug works against MAC. Maintenance therapy after an episode of MAC is now routine, though it is not known which of the existing treatments is most effective. Multidrug therapy reduces mycobacterial colony counts in blood, a measurement of infection, and leads to clinical improvement, especially the reduction of fever. Capreomycin should be used with extreme caution in people with kidney impairment or hearing loss.

Side effects
Capreomycin can cause anorexia, thirst, polyuria (excess urination), hematuria (red blood cells in the urine), anemia, hearing loss.

Dosage
Dosage has to be determined by a doctor for each person individually.

How long it may take to work
Maintenance treatment for MAC infection is necessary. Maintenance treatment means you keep taking the drug to control an infection so that you don't become ill. Treatment for TB can last six months to two years.

Managing side effects
Be sure to drink a lot of high calorie fluids such as juices and nectars to prevent dehydration. Side effects may have to be treated with additional drugs.

This information is specific to the use of this medication for HIV-related conditions. For additional information about this drug for other conditions, refer to: www.nursespdr.com/ and www.healthanswers.com/Library/library_fset.asp

The drug descriptions on these pages are intended for informational purposes only. The Network does not promote or endorse the use of any specific treatment for any health-related condition. The medications described here can only be dispensed by a licensed health care professional. The information may have changed since these pages were updated, though every effort is made to keep these pages current. Please contact The Network at (800) 734-7104 to make sure you have the most up-to-date information

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