ANTIBIOTICS OR ANTI-INFECTION MEDICATIONS FOR POST-LIVER TRANSPLANT
Septra DS (Bactrim DS, TMP–SMZ, or TMP–SMX)
If you are allergic to sulfa, you should not take this medication. Septra is started within one week after transplant. You will take one Septra DS (double-strength) tablet three days a week (for example— Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). Will stop this medicine after 90 days. May experience nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dizziness, and headache. Septra increases your skin's sensitivity to sunlight (sun exposure). Therefore, when you go out in the sun, you are more likely to get a BAD sun burn in a shorter period of time. You must be aggressive in protecting yourself from the harmful sun rays by wearing hats, and clothing that is appropriate for covering your skin while outdoors. This is very important, because transplant patients have an increased risk of developing skin cancer after transplant.
Mycelex Troche (Clotrimazole)
Used to prevent fungal infections in the mouth and throat. This troche (lozenge) should be taken four times a day, after meals and at bedtime. Slowly, let the lozenge dissolve in your mouth. Do not rinse your mouth or eat or drink anything for at least 15 minutes after dissolving this medicine in your mouth. If you wear dentures, they should be removed prior to taking this medication. Expect to take this medication for approximately three months after transplant.
Cytovene (Ganciclovir) or Valcyte (valganciclovir)
Can be given through IV or by mouth. When given intravenously, usually once or twice daily, ganciclovir is usually administered in the hospital. However, after the initial doses, it may be received (via IV) at home with the assistance