DicloxacillinDicloxacillin Sodium

About Dicloxacillin

Dicloxacillin kills bacteria by blocking how they build their cell walls, and penicillinase does not inactivate it. Its label covers infections caused by penicillinase-producing staphylococci shown to be susceptible to it. It can be started when such an infection is suspected, before culture results come back, but it is not used for infections that ordinary penicillin G would treat, and it is not continued if tests show the infection is caused by something other than a resistant staphylococcus. Adults take 125 mg every 6 hours for mild to moderate infections and 250 mg every 6 hours for severe ones; children under 40 kg (88 pounds) take 12.5 or 25 mg/kg a day, split into equal doses every 6 hours. The label says oral penicillinase-resistant penicillins are not the first treatment for serious, life-threatening infections, though they can follow treatment by injection, and because experience in newborns is limited, it recommends no newborn dose.

There is no boxed warning. It must not be taken by anyone allergic to any penicillin: serious and sometimes fatal allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, have occurred, and people allergic to penicillin may also react to cephalosporins, so the prescriber asks about past reactions first. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth inflammation and black hairy tongue are among the side effects, and esophageal burning, inflammation and ulcers have been reported; the label says to take each dose with at least 4 ounces of water and not lying down or just before bed. Watery or bloody diarrhea can be Clostridioides difficile infection, even two months or more after the last dose. Low white cell or platelet counts, raised liver enzymes and kidney inflammation have been reported with penicillins of this type, and the label urges caution with asthma or significant allergies.

The label calls for white blood cell counts before treatment and at least weekly during it, and periodic kidney and liver tests; a lower dose is considered when kidney function is impaired. MedlinePlus warns that it may make hormonal birth control less effective, so another method is used during treatment. It can weaken the effect of warfarin, so clotting tests are checked, and tetracycline antibiotics are avoided with it. The label advises use in pregnancy only if clearly needed, and caution while breastfeeding, since penicillins pass into breast milk.

Taking Dicloxacillin

How to take it

Every 6 hours, at around the same times each day, on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal or snack, with at least 4 ounces (120 mL) of water while sitting or standing. Do not lie down or go to sleep right after a dose. Finish the full course even if you feel better.

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose; then skip the missed dose and carry on as usual. Do not take a double dose.

Storage

At room temperature in the original container, tightly closed, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), out of reach of children. Use a take-back program for unneeded capsules rather than flushing them.

Interactions to know about

Tetracycline antibiotics can work against it and are avoided with it, and probenecid raises and prolongs its blood levels. It can weaken the effect of warfarin, so prothrombin time (a clotting test) is monitored closely. MedlinePlus says it may make hormonal birth control pills, patches, rings and injections less effective, so use another method, and tell the prescriber about every medicine you take, asthma, kidney disease or other allergies.

This summarizes the official prescribing information. Your prescriber’s and pharmacist’s instructions, and the leaflet that comes with your medicine, take priority.

Why the cash price for Dicloxacillin differs from pharmacy to pharmacy

Dicloxacillin is an old generic made by only a small number of companies, so a pharmacy that does not keep it in stock may need to order it, which can delay the first dose of an infection that needs prompt treatment. Quotes can differ widely between pharmacies for the same capsules.

A course at four doses a day adds up to many capsules, and each strength is priced separately; whether it appears on a pharmacy’s flat-price antibiotic list varies, so the dispensing fee and markup decide much of the difference.

Ways to pay less for Dicloxacillin without insurance

• Ask the pharmacy to confirm it has your strength in stock before the prescription is sent, so the first dose is not delayed.
• Compare more than one pharmacy, and ask whether dicloxacillin is on its flat-price antibiotic list.
• If it is unavailable or quoted high, ask the prescriber whether another antibiotic, such as cephalexin, would suit the infection; the pharmacist cannot make that switch alone.
• Upload the prescription to Script Unlock so licensed pharmacies can quote their cash price. You pay the pharmacy directly.

Questions to ask your pharmacist about Dicloxacillin

1. 1.How long before or after a meal or snack should I take each dose?
2. 2.Do I need a backup birth control method while I take it?
3. 3.Will my warfarin dose or clotting tests need checking?
4. 4.Which blood tests will I need during the course?

Related medications