$Unique_ID{BRK03262}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{oxacillin}
$Subject{Bactocill Beecham Prostaphlin Bristol Penicillin antibiotic oxacillin
bacterial infections Staphylococcus bacteria injuring cell membranes}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


oxacillin
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)

     Bactocill (Beecham)
     Prostaphlin (Bristol)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Penicillin antibiotic

INGREDIENT

     oxacillin

DOSAGE FORMS

     Capsules (250 mg and 500 mg)
     Oral solution (250 mg per 5-ml spoonful)

STORAGE

     Oxacillin capsules should be stored at room temperature in a tightly
closed container.  The oral solution should be stored in the refrigerator in a
tightly closed container.  Any unused portion of the solution should be
discarded after 14 days.  This medication should never be frozen.

USES

     Oxacillin is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections,
especially those involving Staphylococcus bacteria.  This medication acts by
severely injuring the cell membranes of the infecting bacteria, thereby
preventing them from growing and multiplying.  Oxacillin kills susceptible
bacteria, but it is not effective against viruses, parasites, or fungi.

TREATMENT

     Oxacillin 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 oral solution should be measured carefully with a specially designed
5-ml measuring spoon.  An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not accurate enough.
     Oxacillin 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.
If you do not remember to take the missed dose until it is almost time for
your next dose, take it immediately, space the following dose about halfway
through the regular interval between doses, and then return to your regular
dosing schedule.  Try not to skip any doses.
     It is important to continue to take this medication for the entire time
prescribed by your doctor (usually seven to 14 days), even if the symptoms of
infection disappear before the end of that period.  If you stop taking the
drug too soon, resistant 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 the 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, difficult
or painful urination, fever, irritation of the mouth, muscle aches, rash,
rectal or vaginal itching, severe diarrhea, sore throat, or yellowing of the
eyes or skin.  Also, if your symptoms of infection seem to be getting worse
rather than improving, you should contact your doctor.

INTERACTIONS

     Oxacillin interacts with other types of medications:
     1. Probenecid can increase the blood concentrations of this medication.
     2. Oxacillin may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills, and
pregnancy could result.  You should, therefore, use another form of birth
control while taking this drug.  Discuss alternatives with your doctor.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to oxacillin, other penicillins, 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.  Therefore, 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 oxacillin should know that this drug can cause a
false-positive sugar reaction with a Clinitest urine glucose test.  To avoid
this problem while taking oxacillin, 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 oxacillin
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.