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’ll tell you when dicloxacillin is indicated and the possible side effects it can cause.
A little of history
The first antibiotic widely used in medicine was penicillin G or benzylpenicillin, discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928, for which he won the Nobel Prize. Since then, advances in science have allowed the development of new molecules for the specific treatment of 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 for adults and children over 12 years of age, in the treatment of the following bacterial infections:
- Acute streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis
- Skin infections and related structures such as scarlet fever, impetigo or boils
- Infections of dental and periodontal structures
The professional will determine the dosage and duration of treatment according to the type of condition for which it is indicated.
Mechanism of action
The mechanism of action of penicillins works by activating 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, the provider finds out if the patient to be treated has ever had an allergic reaction to penicillins or other beta-lactams. Like most antibiotics, dicloxacillin can cause diarrhea or pseudomembranous colitis caused by Clostridium difficile .
Can dicloxacillin interact with other medications?
When taking dicloxacillin, it is necessary to keep in mind that, as we have already mentioned, this drug is a penicillin. According to studies, penicillins reduce the excretion of methotrexate when taken together. This reduction in drug excretion can lead to increased toxicity.
In addition, penicillins can interact with oral contraceptives, decreasing their effectiveness and, consequently, increasing the risk of pregnancy.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and dicloxacillin
So far, clinical experience seems to indicate little risk during pregnancy, for the fetus or the 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 harmful effects will manifest in the baby. Likewise, a risk/benefit assessment by the physician is advisable.
However, dicloxacillin is often used to treat mastitis in nursing mothers, and occasionally the baby’s oral and intestinal microbiota can be affected, leading to episodes of diarrhea.
In any case, this effect does not seem to have been adequately studied, and treatment with penicillin during lactation continues to be applied.
Dicloxacillin Side Effects
Antibiotics are mainly associated with adverse effects related to gastrointestinal disorders, such as:
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Flatulence.
- Epigastric pain and halitosis.
Also, like other penicillins, it can cause allergic symptoms such as hives, itching, rash or anaphylactic reaction in case of severe allergy.
Conclusion
It is important that you take into account that antibiotics are indicated to treat bacterial infections and are not effective in cases of viral infections.
Therefore, the use of antibiotics to treat a cold or flu will not be effective and, in addition, we run the risk of creating resistance. Always consult your doctor.
