$Unique_ID{BRK03125} $Pretitle{} $Title{dicloxacillin} $Subject{Dicloxacil Goldline sodium Dycill Beecham Dynapen Bristol Pathocil Wyeth Penicillin antibiotic dicloxacillin bacterial infections Staphylococcus bacteria} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. dicloxacillin ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers) Dicloxacil (Goldline) dicloxacillin sodium (various manufacturers) Dycill (Beecham) Dynapen (Bristol) Pathocil (Wyeth) TYPE OF DRUG Penicillin antibiotic INGREDIENT dicloxacillin DOSAGE FORMS Capsules (125 mg, 250 mg, and 500 mg) Oral suspension (62.5 mg per 5-ml spoonful) STORAGE Dicloxacillin capsules should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed container. The oral suspension should be stored in the refrigerator in a tightly closed container. Any unused portion of the suspension should be discarded after 14 days because the drug loses its potency after that time. This medication should never be frozen. USES Dicloxacillin is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, especially those caused by Staphylococcus bacteria. It acts by severely injuring the cell membranes of the infecting bacteria, thereby preventing them from growing and multiplying. Dicloxacillin kills susceptible bacteria, but it is not effective against viruses, parasites, or fungi. TREATMENT Dicloxacillin should be taken on an empty stomach or with a glass of water, one hour before or two hours after a meal. This medication should never be taken with fruit juices or carbonated beverages, because the acidity of these drinks destroys the drug in the stomach. The suspension form of this medication should be shaken well just before measuring each dose. The contents tend to settle at the bottom of the bottle, so it is necessary to shake the container to distribute the ingredients evenly and equalize the doses. Each dose should then be measured carefully with a specially designed 5-ml measuring spoon. An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not accurate enough. Dicloxacillin works best when the level of medicine in your bloodstream is kept constant. It is best, therefore, to take the doses at evenly spaced intervals day and night. For example, if you are taking four doses a day, the doses should be spaced six hours apart. If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose immediately. However, if you do not remember to take the missed dose until it is almost time for your next dose, take it; space the following dose about halfway through the regular interval between doses; then return to your regular schedule. Try not to skip any doses. It is important for you to continue to take this medication for the entire time prescribed by your doctor (usually seven to 14 days), even if the symptoms of your infection disappear before the end of that period. If you stop taking the drug too soon, bacteria are given a chance to continue growing, and the infection could recur. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, or vomiting. These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to this particular drug. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about bloating, chills, cough, darkened tongue, difficulty in breathing, fever, irritation of the mouth, muscle aches, rash, rectal or vaginal itching, severe diarrhea, or sore throat. In addition, if the symptoms of your infection seem to be getting worse rather than improving, you should contact your doctor. INTERACTIONS Dicloxacillin interacts with other types of medications: 1. Probenecid can increase the blood concentrations and side effects of this medication. 2. Dicloxacillin may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives (birth control pills), and pregnancy could result. You should, therefore, use a different or additional form of birth control while taking this medication. Discuss this with your doctor. BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above. WARNINGS * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to dicloxacillin or penicillins, or to cephalosporin antibiotics, penicillamine, or griseofulvin. * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had kidney disease, asthma, or allergies. * This medication has been prescribed for your current infection only. Another infection later on, or one that someone else has, may require a different medicine. You should not give your medicine to other people or use it for other infections, unless your doctor specifically directs you to do so. * Diabetics taking dicloxacillin should know that this drug can cause interference with a Clinitest urine glucose test. To avoid this problem while taking dicloxacillin, you should switch to Clinistix or Tes-Tape to test your urine for sugar. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Although dicloxacillin appears to be safe during pregnancy, extensive studies in humans have not been conducted. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. Small amounts of this medication pass into breast milk and may temporarily alter the bacterial balance in the intestinal tract of the nursing infant, resulting in diarrhea. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.