Dicloxacillin is used to treat various bacterial infections. It is a type of penicillin antibiotic that works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Dicloxacillin is effective only for bacterial infections and will not work for viral infections.
1. What are the uses of Dicloxacillin?
Dicloxacillin is an antibiotic that works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, and it is used to treat various bacterial infections.
Specifically, Dicloxacillin is indicated in the following cases:
- Bacterial infections
- Acute sinus infections caused by Staphylococcus bacteria.
- Pneumonia caused by Staphylococcus bacteria.
- Bronchitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
- Bone infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
- Skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
- Diabetic patients with foot infections due to specific types of bacteria.
- Children with unexplained fevers.
Dicloxacillin is contraindicated in the following cases:
- Diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile bacterial infection.
2. Usage of Dicloxacillin
- Dicloxacillin is taken orally, usually four times a day (every 6 hours) or as directed by your doctor. Take Dicloxacillin on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals) with a full glass of water.
- Drink plenty of water while using Dicloxacillin, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
- The dosage of Dicloxacillin is calculated based on your health condition and response to therapy.
- For best results, take Dicloxacillin at evenly spaced intervals.
- To help you remember, take Dicloxacillin at the same time(s) each day.
- Continue taking Dicloxacillin until the prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping Dicloxacillin too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a return of the infection.
- Dicloxacillin is prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use Dicloxacillin for another infection unless instructed by your doctor.
- During prolonged treatment with Dicloxacillin, tests such as kidney and liver function and complete blood counts should be performed regularly to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
3. Side effects of Dicloxacillin
While using Dicloxacillin, you may experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor immediately.
Remember, your doctor has prescribed Dicloxacillin because they have judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Dicloxacillin do not have serious side effects.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following rare but very serious side effects while using Dicloxacillin: dark urine, persistent nausea or vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin, easy bruising or bleeding, persistent sore throat, or fever.
Dicloxacillin can rarely cause a serious intestinal condition due to a resistant bacteria. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after stopping treatment. Do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid medications if you have any of the following symptoms, as these products may make them worse. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, or blood/mucus in your stool.
Prolonged or repeated use of Dicloxacillin may result in oral thrush or a new yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, changes in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.
A serious allergic reaction to Dicloxacillin is rare, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), trouble breathing, and severe dizziness.
Below are the side effects of Dicloxacillin according to their likelihood of occurrence:
Common side effects of Dicloxacillin include:
- Yeast infections in the vulva and vagina.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
Less common side effects of Dicloxacillin include:
- Skin rash with peeling.
- Eczema.
- Anaphylactic shock.
- Itching.
- Stomach cramps.
Rare side effects of Dicloxacillin include:
- Diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile infection
- Destruction of red blood cells by the body's antibodies
- Low platelet count and bleeding due to immune response
- Reduced platelet count
- Very low levels of granulocytes
- Low white blood cell count
- Low levels of neutrophils
- Increased eosinophils in the blood
- Allergic reaction causing vasculitis
- Swelling of the vocal cords
- Liver damage and hepatitis
- Bile duct obstruction
- Interstitial nephritis
- Erythema multiforme
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Seizures
- Presence of crystals in the urine
- Abnormal liver function
- Maculopapular rash
- Pustular disease
- DRESS syndrome
- Anemia
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Behavioral problems
- Tooth discoloration
- Dizziness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Anxiety
This is not a complete list of possible side effects of Dicloxacillin. If you notice other effects not listed above, please contact your doctor for proper guidance and timely handling.
4. Some precautions to avoid side effects of Dicloxacillin
Before taking Dicloxacillin, inform your doctor if you are allergic to it, to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics, or to any other allergies. Dicloxacillin may contain inactive ingredients that could cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Before using Dicloxacillin, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of kidney disease.
Dicloxacillin can make live bacterial vaccines, such as the typhoid vaccine, less effective. Do not have any immunizations/vaccinations while using Dicloxacillin unless instructed by your doctor.
Dicloxacillin should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Dicloxacillin passes into breast milk, so breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before breastfeeding.
5. Drug interactions with Dicloxacillin
Your doctor may already be aware of any potential drug interactions with Dicloxacillin and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medications while using Dicloxacillin without your doctor's approval.
Before using Dicloxacillin, inform your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription/herbal products you are using, especially: Methotrexate, tetracyclines, warfarin.
Dicloxacillin may cause false positive results with certain urine glucose tests (cupric sulfate type) for diabetes patients. Dicloxacillin can also affect the results of certain other tests. Ensure that laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you are using Dicloxacillin.
6. Management of Dicloxacillin overdose or missed dose
If you or someone else has overdosed on Dicloxacillin and exhibits severe symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call emergency services (115) immediately. Symptoms of a Dicloxacillin overdose may include severe vomiting, persistent diarrhea, unusual changes in the amount of urine, and seizures.
If you miss a dose of Dicloxacillin, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
7. Storage of Dicloxacillin
Store Dicloxacillin at room temperature, between 59-86°F (15-30°C), in a tightly sealed container. Avoid exposing the medication to excessive heat and humidity. Do not store Dicloxacillin in the bathroom. Keep the medication out of reach of children and pets.
Do not flush Dicloxacillin down the toilet or pour it into a drain unless instructed to do so. Dispose of this antibiotic properly when it is expired or no longer needed.
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