Dicloxacillin

Dicloxacillin is a narrow-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotic of the penicillin class. It is used to treat infections caused by penicillinase-producing staphylococci and other susceptible bacteria. Dicloxacillin works by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, leading to the death of the bacteria.

Indications

-Treatment of infections caused by penicillinase-producing staphylococci. -Respiratory tract infections -Bone and joint infections -Skin and soft tissue infections -Endocarditis

Dosage

-Adults: 250-500 mg every 6 hours. -Children: Dosage varies based on weight and severity of the infection. Typically, 12.5-25 mg/kg/day divided into 4 doses.

Contra-Indications

-Use with caution in patients with a history of allergy, asthma, hay fever, or urticaria. -Monitor renal, hepatic, and hematopoietic function periodically during prolonged therapy. -Use caution in patients with renal impairment or a history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis.

Special Precautions

-Use with caution in patients with a history of allergy, asthma, hay fever, or urticaria. -Monitor renal, hepatic, and hematopoietic function periodically during prolonged therapy. -Use caution in patients with renal impairment or a history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis.

Side Effects

-Common: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain. -Serious: Anaphylaxis, Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, hepatotoxicity, hematologic abnormalities (e.g., neutropenia, thrombocytopenia).

Drug Interactions

-May decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. -Probenecid can increase dicloxacillin blood levels. -Concurrent use with other hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.