Pentothal and Vancocin HCl

• Generic Name: thiopental
• Dosage Forms: injection, powder, for solution
• Other Brand Names:

Pentostatin belongs to the group of medicines called antimetabolites. It is used to treat a type of cancer of the white blood cells called hairy cell leukemia. Pentostatin may be used in patients with hairy cell leukemia who have already been treated with other medicines (e.g., alpha-interferon) that did not work well.

Pentostatin interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by pentostatin, other effects may also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Other effects may not be serious but may cause concern. Some effects may not occur for months or years after the medicine is used.

Before you begin treatment with pentostatin, you and your doctor should talk about the good pentostatin will do as well as the risks of using it.

Pentostatin is to be administered only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.

• Generic Name: vancomycin
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names:

  FIRST-Vancomycin, Vancocin HCl Pulvules, First-Vancomycin 25, First-Vancomycin 50, Firvanq, Vancocin, First-Vancomycin 25, First-Vancomycin 50

Vancomycin injection is used to treat infections in many different parts of the body. It is also used in patients with heart valve disease (eg, rheumatic fever) or prosthetic (artificial) heart valves who are allergic to penicillin. Under certain circumstances, vancomycin is also given with other medicines to prevent endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart) in patients who are having dental work done or surgery on the upper respiratory tract (eg, nose or throat).

Vancomycin is used to treat infections caused by bacteria. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. Vancomycin will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.

Vancomycin injection is also used to treat serious infections for which other medicines may not work. However, this medicine may cause some serious side effects, including damage to your hearing and kidneys. These side effects may be more likely to occur in elderly patients. You and your doctor should talk about the benefits this medicine will do as well as the risks associated with receiving it.

Vancomycin is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.