dicloxacillin

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

dicloxacillin is a type of antibiotic that belongs to the penicillin class of drugs. It is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including skin and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infections, and respiratory tract infections. The drug works by inhibiting the formation of bacterial cell walls, thereby preventing the bacteria from growing and dividing.

Dicloxacillin is typically administered orally but can also be given intravenously in certain cases. The drug has a relatively broad spectrum of activity, meaning it is effective against a wide range of bacteria. However, it is not effective against infections caused by viruses or certain types of bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency Defined  

1-10%  

Nausea  

Diarrhea  

Abdominal pain  

<1%  

Fever  

Elevated LFTs  

Hypersensitivity  

Anemia  

Pseudomembranous colitis  

Nephritis

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

The black box warning for dicloxacillin states that the drug may cause a severe and potentially fatal form of diarrhea called Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD). 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindications: 

• Individuals with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to penicillins or any of the components in dicloxacillin should not take the medication. 
• Dicloxacillin is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women, as the safety of the drug in these populations has not been established. 

Cautions: 

• Individuals with a history of gastrointestinal disorders, such as ulcerative colitis or inflammatory bowel disease, should use dicloxacillin with caution as it may exacerbate these conditions. 
• Dicloxacillin may interact with certain medications, such as oral contraceptives, blood thinners, and probenecid. It is important to inform your healthcare provider of all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking before starting dicloxacillin. 
• Individuals with kidney or liver dysfunction should use dicloxacillin with caution as the drug may accumulate in these individuals, leading to increased risk of side effects. 
• Dicloxacillin may cause false-positive results on certain urine glucose tests. It is important to inform your healthcare provider and any other healthcare professionals involved in your care that you are taking dicloxacillin. 
• Individuals with a history of anaphylaxis or other severe allergic reactions to penicillins should not take dicloxacillin 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

US FDA pregnancy category: B 

Lactation:   

Excreted into human milk is known  

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

Category B: There were lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the foetus in animal experiments.   

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category

Pharmacology

Pharmacology:  

Dicloxacillin is a semisynthetic penicillin antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections such as skin and soft tissue infections, respiratory tract infections, and urinary tract infections. It is often used in combination with other antibiotics to treat more severe or resistant infections.  

Pharmacodynamics:  

The mechanism of action of dicloxacillin is similar to other penicillin antibiotics, in that it binds to and inactivates the transpeptidase enzyme required for bacterial cell wall synthesis. This results in the inhibition of bacterial growth and eventual death of the bacteria.  

Pharmacokinetics:  

Absorption   

Dicloxacillin is well absorbed when taken orally and has a bioavailability of approximately 85%.   

Distribution   

It is widely distributed throughout the body, including the kidneys, lungs, and bone.   

Metabolism   

The drug is metabolized by the liver and excreted mainly in the urine.   

Elimination and excretion  

The elimination of half-life of dicloxacillin ranges from 1-3 hours. Excretion through Urine (56%) and feces

Adminstartion

Administration:  

Oral administration: 

Dicloxacillin is typically administered orally in the form of capsules or tablets. The recommended dosage and frequency will depend on the individual’s condition and the severity of the infection being treated. It is important to follow the dosage and frequency instructions provided by a healthcare provider. 

dicloxacillin should be taken with food to reduce the risk of stomach upset. It is also important to take the medication for the full course of treatment as prescribed, even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished. Skipping doses or stopping treatment prematurely can increase the risk of the infection recurring or becoming more resistant to treatment. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: dicloxacillin 

Why do we use dicloxacillin? 

dicloxacillin is an antibiotic that is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It belongs to a class of antibiotics known as penicillins and is effective against a wide range of gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumonia.