Dicloxacillin: Uses And Side Effects
Dicloxacillin is a beta-lactam antibiotic belonging to the group of penicillins and resistant to penicillinases, which are enzymes produced by certain microorganisms, capable of hydrolyzing and inactivating penicillin.
It is used to treat infections caused by gram positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, and to treat infections caused by group A streptococci such as Streptococcus pneumoniae.
In this article we will tell you in which cases dicloxacillin is indicated and the possible side effects it can cause.
A little history
The first antibiotic to be widely used in medicine was penicillin G or benzylpenicillin, discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928, for which he won a Nobel Prize. Since then, advances in science have allowed the development of new molecules for the specific treatment of the various infections caused by bacteria.
Currently, there are different groups of beta-lactams, in addition to penicillin G, such as ampicillin, amoxicillin, or penicillinase-resistant penicillins, such as dicloxacillin that we are discussing in this article.
Therapeutic indications of penicillins
Dicloxacillin is indicated in adults and children over 12 years of age, in the treatment of the following bacterial infections:
- Acute strep throat.
- Infections of the dental and periodontal structures.
- Infections of the skin and related structures such as scarlet fever, impetigo or boils.
The dosage and duration of treatment will be determined by the type of condition for which it is indicated.
Mechanism of action
The mechanism of action of penicillins is associated with the activation of enzymes that alter the cell wall of bacteria, acting as bactericides, that is, they destroy bacteria.
Some warnings and precautions for use
It is important that before starting treatment with dicloxacillin, it is reported if there has ever been an allergic reaction to penicillins or other beta-lactams. Like the vast majority of antibiotics, dicloxacillin can lead to diarrhea or pseudomembranous colitis caused by Clostridium difficile.
Can dicloxacillin interact with other medications?
When taking dicloxacillin it is necessary to bear in mind that, as we have already mentioned, dicloxacillin is a penicillin. Penicillins have been reported to reduce methotrexate excretion when taken together. This reduction in the excretion of the drug may lead to an increase in its toxicity.
In addition, penicillins can interact with oral contraceptives, reducing their effectiveness and therefore increasing the risk of pregnancy.
Pregnancy, lactation and dicloxacillin
To date, clinical experience appears to indicate little risk during pregnancy, fetus, or newborn. However, the ideal is to assess the existing risk / benefit before starting treatment with dicloxacillin.
In the case of breastfeeding, it appears that penicillins are excreted in a very low proportion in breast milk, making it unlikely that the baby will manifest harmful effects. In the same way, the risk / benefit evaluation by the doctor is the most advisable.
However, dicloxacillin is frequently used for the treatment of mastitis in nursing mothers and, on occasion, the oral and intestinal microbiota of the baby could be affected, leading to episodes of diarrhea.
However, this effect does not appear to have been adequately studied and penicillin therapy during lactation continues to be supported.
Dicloxacillin side effects
Antibiotics are mainly associated with adverse effects related to gastrointestinal disorders, such as:
- Sickness.
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea.
- Flatulence
- Epigastric pain and even halitosis.
In addition, like other penicillins, it can produce allergic symptoms such as hives, pruritus, skin rash or anaphylactic reaction in case of severe allergy.
Finally…
It is important that you bear in mind that antibiotics are indicated in the treatment of bacterial infections and are not effective in cases of viral infections.
Therefore, the use of antibiotics to treat a cold or flu is not going to be effective and, in addition, we run the risk of creating resistance. Always consult your doctor.
