Cloxacillin

Cloxacillin is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. It is effective in infections of the throat, ear, nasal sinuses, respiratory tract, and skin and soft tissue. It mainly fights and stops the growth of the gram-positive type of bacteria. Cloxacillin should be taken on an empty stomach. For best results, it should be used regularly at evenly spaced intervals as per the schedule prescribed by your doctor. Taking it at the same time every day will help you to remember to take it. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping the medicine too early may lead to the infection returning or worsening.

Cloxacillin is an antibiotic. It kills bacteria by preventing them from forming their own protective covering (cell wall) which is needed for them to survive.

• Skin and soft tissue infections (boils, abscess, carbuncle, cellulitis, infected wounds, infected burns)
• Respiratory tract, ear, nose and throat infections (pneumonia, lung abscess, sinusitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, otitis media)
• Osteomyelitis
• Enteritis
• Endocarditis
• Urinary tract infections
• Septicemia

Cloxacillin is a narrow-spectrum penicillin effective against gram-positive bacteria. It is resistant to the penicillinase enzyme which inactivates other penicillins. Cloxacillin kills bacteria by interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis. It binds to penicillin-binding proteins, inhibiting the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis, leading to cell wall weakening and bacterial lysis.

Cloxacillin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to 1 or more of the penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) which in turn inhibit the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis in bacterial cell walls. Bacteria eventually lyse due to ongoing activity of cell wall autolytic enzymes while cell wall assembly is arrested.

Adult Dose (Oral): 250-500 mg 4 times daily (half to one hour before meals).

Adult Dose (Parenteral - IM/IV): 1-2 g every 6 hours; severe infections (meningitis, endocarditis): 2 g every 4 hours.

Pediatric Dose (Oral): 50-100 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 6 hours.

Pediatric Dose (Oral - 2-10 years): Half of adult dose; <2 years: Quarter of adult dose.

Pediatric Dose (Parenteral - IM): 250 mg (with 1.5 mL WFI) or 500 mg (with 2 mL WFI).

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Cloxacillin is to be taken on an empty stomach (half to one hour before meals).

If you miss a dose of Cloxacillin, 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 schedule. Do not double the dose.

Common Side Effects:

• Rash
• Vomiting
• Allergic reaction
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Indigestion

• [SAFE] Cloxacillin does not usually affect your ability to drive.
• You have been prescribed Cloxacillin for the treatment of bacterial infections. Finish the prescribed course, even if you start to feel better.
• Take it with food and plenty of fluids to avoid an upset stomach.
• Diarrhea may occur as a side effect but should stop when your course is complete.
• Inform your doctor immediately if you develop an itchy rash, swelling of the face, throat or tongue or breathing difficulties while taking this medicine.
• Use with caution in patients with a history of allergy.

• Hypersensitivity to cloxacillin and other penicillins.

May diminish the effect of BCG and typhoid vaccine. May increase risk of methotrexate toxicity. May diminish the therapeutic effect of Na picosulfate. May decrease serum concentrations of mycophenolate. May prolong bleeding time with anticoagulants. Increased serum concentrations with probenecid. Tetracycline may antagonise the bactericidal effect of cloxacillin.

[SAFE] Consuming alcohol with Cloxacillin does not cause any harmful side effects.

[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Cloxacillin is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies. Pregnancy Category B.

[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Cloxacillin is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.

Pediatric dose (Oral): 50-100 mg/kg/day every 6 hours; 2-10 years: Half of adult dose; <2 years: Quarter of adult dose.

Limited information is available regarding dose adjustment for elderly patients.

[CAUTION] Cloxacillin should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment may be needed. Regular monitoring of kidney function tests is advised.

[CAUTION] Cloxacillin should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment may be needed. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is advised.

Cloxacillin overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures (especially in renal impairment). Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.

Store in a cool and dry place. Store injection vials below 25°C. Reconstituted suspension should be used within 5 days at room temperature or 7 days in the refrigerator.

Cloxacillin