Cloxacillin

Cloxacillin is a type of medicine that stops bacteria from infecting your body. It is only given to you when your healthcare provider prescribes it.

You can use cloxacillin to treat bacterial infections. These include infections of the:

• Nose, lungs and throat.
• Covering that protects your brain.
• Bones or joints.
• Organs that help you make urine such as your kidneys or bladder.

Cloxacillin is a medicine that treats infections caused by bacteria. This medicine will not work for viral infections, like the common cold. Note that you need a doctor’s prescription to get this medicine. Although this does not happen very often, some people may develop a rash that could threaten their life when using this medicine. You must immediately see your healthcare provider to report such a rash.

• This medicine is taken by mouth as a capsule or as a liquid. It can also be injected directly into your blood by a healthcare provider.
• You should take the capsule or liquid medicine on an empty stomach (1 hour before you eat food or 2 hours after).
• If you miss a dose (capsule, liquid or injection), then take it as soon as you remember. However, if you remember close to the time of your next dose, take only the next dose.
• Do not add more quantities or intentionally skip a dose. Cloxacillin may become ineffective against your infection if you do not take it as prescribed.
• If you accidentally take more of this medicine than was prescribed for you, go to the nearest healthcare provider (with the remaining medicine) and report the overdose. Continue drinking water especially if you have loose stools and are vomiting.
• Do not share this medicine with others.

You may experience mild effects of this medicine that may make you uncomfortable. These effects will usually go away within 2 to 3 days.
Here are some common side-effects you may experience: You may,

• Feel like you want to vomit and also actually vomit.
• Have more frequent, loose stools.
• Have a stomach-ache.
• Pass out gas.

This is not a complete list of all side-effects of using Cloxacillin. You should mention these or other unpleasant effects to your healthcare provider if they stay longer than a week.

If you experience serious side effects, you must go to a healthcare provider closest to you immediately. These include:

• Difficulty breathing.
• Your face and tongue may be swollen.
• Fever.
• Sore throat.
• You may have a skin rash and burning sensation on your skin and in your eyes.

You should inform your healthcare provider if you have any other condition than the one they are treating you for. This will help them check your risk for any serious effects.

• Do not take cloxacillin if you have had a drug reaction to it before, like a rash that went away when you stopped taking it. Allergy to this medicine (a type of penicillin) can be very serious.
• If you are passing loose stools and may have a swollen intestine, you must not take this medicine.