Quinupristin and dalfopristin (Intravenous)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 10, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Synercid

Available Dosage Forms:

• Powder for Solution

Therapeutic Class: Antibiotic

Chemical Class: Streptogramin

Uses for quinupristin and dalfopristin

Quinupristin and dalfopristin injection is used to treat infections of the skin and the blood. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. It is given by injection and is used mainly for serious infection for which other medicine may not work.

Quinupristin and dalfopristin belong to the family of medicine called antibiotics. Antibiotics are medicines used in the treatment of infections caused by bacteria. They work by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. Quinupristin and dalfopristin will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.

Quinupristin and dalfopristin is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using quinupristin and dalfopristin

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For quinupristin and dalfopristin, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to quinupristin and dalfopristin or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of quinupristin and dalfopristin injection in children younger than 16 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of quinupristin and dalfopristin injection in the elderly.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving quinupristin and dalfopristin, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using quinupristin and dalfopristin with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Astemizole
• Atorvastatin
• Cerivastatin
• Cholera Vaccine, Live
• Fluvastatin
• Haloperidol
• Lovastatin
• Pravastatin
• Simvastatin
• Tacrolimus
• Vinblastine