Loxacin

Indications

Cloxacillin is an antibiotic used for infections caused by Staphylococcus bacteria, including those that are resistant to ordinary penicillin. Examples are:

• Skin and soft tissue infections such as boils, impetigo, cellulitis and infected wounds.
• Bone and joint infections.
• Pneumonia and other infections caused by Staphylococcus.

It is also commonly combined with Ampicillin to cover a wider range of bacteria.

How It Works

Cloxacillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic. It kills bacteria by stopping them from building their cell walls. Unlike ordinary penicillin, it is not destroyed by penicillinase, an enzyme that many Staphylococcus bacteria make to protect themselves.

Dosage and Administration

• Adults, by mouth: usually 500 mg every 6 hours. The doctor may use a higher dose for severe infections.
• Children: dose worked out by body weight, as prescribed.
• Injection: given by a doctor or nurse, as prescribed.

Take on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after food, with a glass of water. Space the doses evenly through the day and finish the whole course, even if you feel better.

Interactions

• Probenecid increases cloxacillin levels in the blood.
• It may increase the levels and side effects of Methotrexate.
• It may change the effect of Warfarin; extra blood tests may be needed.
• Tetracycline antibiotics may reduce its effect.
• If you have vomiting or diarrhoea, the contraceptive pill may not work as well; use extra protection.

Contraindications

• Allergy to cloxacillin or any penicillin.
• A previous serious allergic reaction to a cephalosporin or other beta-lactam antibiotic.

Side Effects

Common: nausea, diarrhoea, stomach upset and mild skin rash.

Get urgent medical help for signs of a severe allergic reaction (swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, widespread hives), severe or bloody diarrhoea (even weeks after finishing), yellowing of the skin or eyes, or a blistering or peeling skin rash.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Penicillins are generally considered safe in pregnancy; use when a doctor advises it. Small amounts pass into breast milk; it is usually compatible with breastfeeding, but watch the baby for diarrhoea, thrush or rash.

Precautions and Warnings

Tell the doctor about any past allergy to antibiotics. Use with care in kidney or liver disease. Long courses may need blood tests to check the liver and blood counts. Long or repeated use can lead to thrush or other infections that do not respond to it.

Overdose

Too much may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Very high doses, especially in people with kidney problems, can rarely cause fits. Seek medical help.

Therapeutic Class

Penicillinase-resistant penicillin antibiotic.

Storage

Store capsules and dry powder below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. After the suspension is mixed, follow the label; most should be kept in a refrigerator at 2 to 8°C and thrown away after 7 days.