Uses
What is dicloxacillin used for?
Dicloxacillin is an antibiotic that is commonly used for bacterial infections caused by certain bacteria.
Dicloxacillin may not be appropriate for all infections. Some bacteria may have developed resistance to dicloxacillin, which will make it less effective. Dicloxacillin only treats certain infections caused by bacteria. Dicloxacillin will not work for viral infections, such as the common cold, influenza, or Coronavirus. It also will not work for any non-bacterial infections. Using dicloxacillin or any other antibiotic when it is not needed (e.g., infections other than certain bacterial infections) may cause the antibiotic to not work for bacterial infections in the future.
Dicloxacillin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does dicloxacillin work (mechanism of action)?
Dicloxacillin kills certain bacteria by preventing them from being able to create their cell wall.
How is dicloxacillin supplied (dosage forms)?
Dicloxacillin is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 250 mg oral capsules
- 500 mg oral capsules
How should I store dicloxacillin?
Dicloxacillin should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, in a tightly closed container that is out of the reach of children and pets and protected from light.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of dicloxacillin?
The most common side effects of dicloxacillin are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Black hairy tongue
There may be other side effects of dicloxacillin that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of dicloxacillin?
While less common, the most serious side effects of dicloxacillin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Dicloxacillin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking dicloxacillin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea. An overgrowth of germs called Clostridioides difficile, or “C. diff,” can happen in your gut with many types of antibiotics, including dicloxacillin. This can cause a condition known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea and can happen even up to 2 months after stopping the antibiotic. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of this condition.
- Watery diarrhea
- Diarrhea that does not go away
- Blood in your stool (poop)
- Severe stomach cramps
- Fever that starts after you start or finish the medicine
Seizures. Some people who have taken dicloxacillin have reported having seizures. There are many different types of seizures and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop taking dicloxacillin and call your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.
- Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
- Stiffening of your arms and legs
- Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Falling or losing consciousness
Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when taking dicloxacillin. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.
- Reduced need to pee
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Seizures
Blood Disorders. Dicloxacillin can cause blood disorders, such as eosinophilia, hemolytic anemia, agranulocytosis, neutropenia, leukopenia, and bone marrow depression. Stop using dicloxacillin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Pale or yellowish skin
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Frequent infection
- Unusual weakness or tiredness
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
- Headache
- Fast or abnormal heartbeat
Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking dicloxacillin. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach or belly pain
- Fever
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Light-colored poop
- Dark-colored urine
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use dicloxacillin?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take dicloxacillin.
- Dicloxacillin
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific dicloxacillin products they stock.
What should I know about dicloxacillin before using it?
Take dicloxacillin on an empty stomach with a large glass of water (at least 4 ounces or 120 milliliters) at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Remain sitting or standing upright while taking dicloxacillin. Do not take dicloxacillin while laying down or right before going to bed.
Do not take dicloxacillin unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share dicloxacillin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep dicloxacillin out of the reach of children.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using dicloxacillin?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if dicloxacillin is right for you.
Other Medicines and Supplements. Dicloxacillin may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using dicloxacillin, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
- An allergy to penicillin or any other medicines
- Asthma
- Nausea, vomiting, or problems with the stomach or intestines
- History of antibiotic-associated diarrhea
- Kidney problems
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how dicloxacillin could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take dicloxacillin while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Dicloxacillin passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take dicloxacillin while breastfeeding.
Interactions
Does dicloxacillin interact with foods or drinks?
Dicloxacillin is best absorbed on an empty stomach. Take dicloxacillin with a large glass of water (at least 4 ounces or 120 milliliters) at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect dicloxacillin, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.
Does dicloxacillin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Do not take any additional medicines without physician approval, including OTC medicines such as antacids, laxatives or vitamins.
- In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking dicloxacillin.
- A tetracycline, such as tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, omadacycline (Nuzyra), or sarecycline (Seysara)
- Probenecid, which is a medicine commonly used for gout
- Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), which is a blood thinner
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with dicloxacillin. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much dicloxacillin?
If you or someone else has used too much dicloxacillin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of dicloxacillin?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
It is important to complete your prescribed course of dicloxacillin, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to dicloxacillin or other similar medicines.
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