Brand Names: Apo-Cloxi, Cloxacillin Sodium For Injection BP, Novo-Cloxin, Nu-Cloxi

Prescription needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Cloxacillin is a penicillin-based antibiotic used to treat infections caused by a bacteria called staphylococcus. Common places for this bacteria to cause infection are the skin, bone or joint, and blood. Other possible places include the heart and lungs. If the infection is severe or complicated, you may be given this medication through an IV before taking it by mouth.

Is there any reason why I shouldn’t take this drug?

You should not use this drug if you are allergic to it or to other penicillin-like medications such as amipicillin, amoxicillin, penicillin. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor specifically if you have or have ever had:

• asthma
• eczema
• hay fever
• hives

What about possible side effects?

This medication is usually well tolerated but there is still a possibility of side effects: These may include:

• diarrhea
• nausea, upset stomach
• rash (call your doctor right away; if you develop more severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swollen eyes, lips or tongue, seek medical attention immediately)

These side effects may be less severe with lower doses and may decrease with time.

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely:

• birth control pills (antibiotics may decrease how well your birth control pills can work, suggest to use alternative methods of birth control during the cycle in which you are taking this medication)
• warfarin (may increase the amount of warfarin in your blood and increase the chances for side effects)

Other information:

Seniors: Can be used.

Pregnancy: Generally considered safe to use in pregnancy but you should first talk to your doctor.

Women who are nursing: This drug passes into breast milk but generally considered safe in breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: No known problems.

Overdose: Unlikely to cause problems unless the dose is unusually large in which case you should call your doctor.

Stopping the drug: Always take the full course of this drug. Do not stop taking cloxacillin until you have used your entire prescription, even if your symptoms have gone away, otherwise the infection may return.

If you miss a dose: Take as soon as you remember.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom); direct light, always out of reach of children.

Alcohol: No known problems. If you drink, always drink in moderation.

Dietary precautions: Cloxacillin should always be taken on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal, as food can decrease the amount of the medication that gets into your blood and thus decrease how well it can work to kill the bacteria causing the infection.