Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Spiramycin is best taken on an empty stomach.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep taking this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better after a few days. If you stop taking this medicine too soon, your symptoms may return.

This medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep the amount constant, do not miss any doses. Also, it is best to take the doses at evenly spaced times day and night. If this interferes with your sleep or other daily activities, or if you need help in planning the best times to take your medicine, check with your health care professional.

For patients using spiramycin suppositories:

  • First remove the foil wrapper and moisten the suppository with cold water. Lie down on your side and use your finger to push the suppository well up into the rectum.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage forms (capsules or tablets):
    • For treatment of infections:
      • Adults and teenagers—1 to 2 grams (3,000,000 to 6,000,000 International Units [IU]) two times a day, or 500 mg to 1 gram (1,500,000 to 3,000,000 IU) three times a day. For severe infections, the dose is 2 to 2.5 grams (6,000,000 to 7,500,000 IU) two times a day.
      • Children weighing 20 kilograms (kg) (44 pounds) or more—Dose is based on body weight. The usual dose is 25 mg (75,000 IU) per kg (11.4 mg per pound) of body weight two times a day, or 17 mg (51,000 IU) per kg (7.7 mg per pound) of body weight three times a day.
  • For injection dosage form:
    • For treatment of infections:
      • Adults and teenagers—500 mg (1,500,000 IU) injected slowly into a vein every eight hours. For severe infections, the dose is 1 gram (3,000,000 IU) injected slowly into a vein every eight hours.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For rectal dosage form (suppository):
    • For treatment of infections:
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and over—Two or three 750 mg (1,950,000 IU) suppositories per day.
      • Children up to 12 years of age—Two or three 500 mg (1,300,000 IU) suppositories per day.
      • Newborns—Dose is based on body weight. The usual dose is one 250 mg (650,000 IU) suppository per 5 kg (250 mg suppository per 11 pounds) of body weight once a day.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Portions of this document last updated: May 01, 2024

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