Generic
Dicloxacillin
5 brands available in the market
At a glance
Dicloxacillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic used for the treatment of various bacterial infections, including Staphylococcus aureus infections.
Description
Dicloxacillin is an antibiotic that kills bacteria by preventing them from forming their own protective covering (cell wall) which is needed for them to survive. It is effective against gram-positive bacteria and is resistant to penicillinase enzyme.
Indications
- Staphylococcus aureus infections
- Throat, ear, nasal sinus, respiratory tract, and skin infections
- Bone and joint infections
Therapeutic class
Antibiotics
Pharmacological class
Penicillinase-resistant Penicillin
Pharmacology
Dicloxacillin is an antibiotic that kills bacteria by preventing cell wall synthesis. It is not inactivated by penicillinase enzyme, making it effective against penicillinase-producing Staphylococcus.
Mechanism of action
Dicloxacillin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis, exerting bactericidal activity.
Dosage
Adult: 125-500 mg PO every 6 hours.
Child: 12-25 mg/kg/day every 6 hours; up to 100 mg/kg/day for bone and joint infections.
Administration
Take on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals). Swallow the tablet whole, do not chew, crush or break.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose of Dicloxacillin, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common: Rash, vomiting, allergic reaction, nausea, diarrhea.
Precautions & warnings
May affect driving ability. Inform doctor if allergic reactions (rash, swelling of face/throat/tongue, breathing difficulties) occur. Inform doctor if diarrhea does not stop or if blood appears in stools.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to penicillins.
Drug interactions
Probenecid: Prolongs serum levels of dicloxacillin.
Bacteriostatic drugs (chloramphenicol, tetracyclines): May antagonize bactericidal effect.
Warfarin: May reduce anticoagulant response.
Methotrexate: May increase risk of toxicity.
Live vaccines (typhoid): May diminish effect.
Food interactions
Alcohol with Dicloxacillin is safe. Take on an empty stomach.
Use in pregnancy
Pregnancy Category B. Generally considered safe during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Category: B — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Safe during breastfeeding. Dicloxacillin is not excreted in breast milk in significant amounts.
Pediatric use
Children: 12-25 mg/kg/day; up to 100 mg/kg/day for bone infections.
Geriatric use
No specific dosage adjustment is necessary for elderly patients.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal impairment: Caution in severe kidney disease; no dose adjustment needed in mild-moderate impairment.
Hepatic impairment: Limited information available.
Overdose effects
Treatment of overdose is symptomatic.
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C in a dry place.
Chemical structure
Dicloxacillin