Cloxacillin
About
Cloxacillin is an antibiotic medicine used to treat bacterial infections. It is used to treat skin, throat, ear, and lung infections caused by bacteria. A bacterial infection occurs when harmful bacteria enter and grow in the body. This bacteria can infect any part of the body and multiply very quickly. Cloxacillin is effective in treating infections caused by bacteria only and does not treat viral infections like flu or a common cold.
Cloxacillin contains Cloxacillin, which belongs to the penicillin class of drugs. It works by inhibiting the formation of the bacterial cell wall (a protective covering) and causing damage to the bacterial cell wall. This eventually leads to the death of the bacterial cell and thus prevents the growth of bacterial infections.
Cloxacillin may cause certain side effects such as indigestion, diarrhea, nausea, skin rashes, vomiting, bloating, gas and stomach pain. These side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor. Cloxacillin should be taken as advised by your doctor. Do not take more than the prescribed dose of Cloxacillin. It can be taken with or without food. Your doctor will decide the dose of the medicine depending on the type and severity of the infection.
Cloxacillin should be avoided if you are allergic to antibiotics. Before starting the treatment, inform your doctor if you have liver and kidney disease. To rule out any side effects, keep the doctor informed about your/ health condition, including the current medications and medical history. This medicine may make you sleepy or drowsy, so avoid driving until you awake. Avoid alcohol consumption during the treatment to prevent unpleasant side effects. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before starting treatment with Cloxacillin. It can be used in children if prescribed by a paediatrician.
Uses of Cloxacillin
Medicinal Benefits
Cloxacillin contains cloxacillin. It is a broad-spectrum penicillin-type antibiotic that acts against both aerobic (grow in the presence of oxygen) and anaerobic (grow in the absence of oxygen) bacteria. Cloxacillin is used to treat several bacterial infections in adults and children. Cloxacillin works by inhibiting the formation of the bacterial cell wall (a protective covering) and causing damage to the bacterial cell wall. This eventually leads to the death of the bacterial cell and thus prevents the growth of bacterial infections. This medicine is used alone or in combination with other antibiotics for treating bacterial infections.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Cloxacillin
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach upset
- Indigestion
- Vomiting
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Cloxacillin should be avoided if you are allergic to antibiotics. Before starting the treatment, inform your doctor if you have diabetes, asthma, kidney disease, or antibiotics-induced diarrhoea. This medicine may lower the efficiency of oral birth control pills or contraceptive devices. Cloxacillin may alter test results with certain medical tests. Tell your doctor before undergoing those tests that you are using Cloxacillin. This medicine may make you sleepy or drowsy, so avoid driving until you awake. Avoid alcohol consumption during the treatment to prevent unpleasant side effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Cloxacillin should not be given with Typhoid vaccine (live), cephalosporin antibiotics such as cefaclor, cefadroxil, cefazolin, cefixime, cefpodoxime, cefprozil, cephalexin; anti-gout medicine(allopurinol, probenecid).
Drug-Food Interaction: Avoid consumption of alcohol while receiving Cloxacillin as it can cause serious side effects.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you have diabetes, asthma, kidney disease, or antibiotics-induced diarrhoea.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAlcohol intake might increase the risk of side effects. Hence, avoid alcohol consumption while taking Cloxacillin
Pregnancy
cautionCloxacillin should not be used in pregnancy unless clearly necessary. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
cautionIf you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before taking Cloxacillin. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
cautionAvoid driving vehicles as it may cause dizziness and affect your ability to drive. Hence, it is advised to drive when you are alert.
Liver
cautionIf you have liver problems, inform your doctor before taking Cloxacillin.
Kidney
cautionCloxacillin should be used under caution in patients with kidney disease. Inform your doctor if you have kidney problems. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Your doctor may adjust the dose or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
consult your doctorCloxacillin can be given to children if recommended by a doctor. Please seek medical advice.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Diarrhea may happen as a side effect. Taking probiotics after receiving Cloxacillin may help. Talk to your doctor if you notice blood stools or develop stomach cramps.
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid an upset stomach and hydrate your body.
- Avoid intake of alcoholic beverages with Cloxacillin as it can make you dehydrated and may affect your sleep. This can make it harder for your body to aid the Cloxacillin in fighting off infections.
- Maintain good hygiene and avoid contaminated or processed food.
- Include more fibre-enriched food like whole-grain bread and brown rice in your diet, as it can be easily digested by your gut bacteria, which helps stimulate their growth.
- Avoid taking too many calcium-enriched foods and drinks as it might affect the working of Cloxacillin.
Special Advise
- Even if you feel better after taking Cloxacillin, do not stop the administration of it. This might cause the symptoms to reappear and will make the infection difficult to treat due to antibiotic resistance.
- Make sure you drink plenty of fluids when you are sick. This will, in general, help you clear out the infection faster, protect you from dehydration, and will help you overcome some unpleasant side effects of taking Cloxacillin.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infection: A bacterial infection occurs when harmful bacteria enter, grow, and infect the body. It can infect any part of the body and multiply very quickly. These infections vary from minor illnesses to severe brain infections like meningitis and encephalitis. When you get infected with these bacteria, you can experience generalized symptoms like fevers, chills, and fatigue. Generally, persons with a weak immune system are more prone to infections.
FAQs
No, Cloxacillin is not used to treat viral infections. Cloxacillin is an antibiotic that is used to treat only bacterial infections.
Cloxacillin contains cloxacillin, which works by inhibiting the formation of the bacterial cell wall (a protective covering) and causing damage to the bacterial cell wall. This eventually leads to the death of the bacterial cell.
No. As it is an antibiotic, it is advised to complete the entire treatment course as prescribed. If the treatment is stopped abruptly, there may be drug resistance.
