Dosage Forms
- 500 mg and 250 mg capsules
Drug Group
Antibiotic, Penicillins
Packaging
Cloxacillin is given by mouth in the treatment of mild to moderate upper respiratory tract infections, lower respiratory tract infections and localized skin and soft tissue infections.
Cloxacillin is penicillinase-resistant penicillin that inhibits the biosynthesis of bacterial cell wall. Cloxacillin has activity against S. aureus, S. pyogenes and S. pneumoniae.
Cloxacillin is not indicated in history of hypersensitivity to penicillins, cephalosporins and imipenem. Streptococcal infections must be treated for at least 10 days. Cloxacillin should be taken on empty stomach. Cloxacillin should be used with caution in patients with history of GI diseases especially antibiotic-associated colitis. In the renal impairment, reduction in dosage or increase in dosing interval is recommended.
The most frequent side effects of cloxacillin are GI reactions, headache, oral and vaginal candidiasis. The less frequent are allergic reactions specifically anaphylaxis, skin rashes, hives or itching. Pseudomembranous colitis has occurred with the use of cloxacillin.
Cloxacillin crosses the placenta. Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Cloxacillin is distributed into breast milk. The use of cloxacillin by nursing mother may lead to sensitization, diarrhea, candidiasis and skin rash in the infant.
Cloxacillin may interact with bacteriostatic antibacterials. Cloxacillin may reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives. Probenecid decreases renal tubular secretion of cloxacillin. Cloxacillin reduces the clearance of methotrexate. False-positive urine glucose reactions may occur in non-enzymatic tests using cupric sulfate during penicillin therapy.