DAWACLOX-250 CAPSULES
CLOXACILLIN SODIUM
What it does
Cloxacillin is an antibiotic that helps fight bacterial infections.
Commonly used for: bacterial infections, skin infections, bone infections, respiratory tract infections
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 22:06:58 · updated 2026-03-23 04:52:07
Drug Interactions
6Severe (1)
Penicillins - increases risk of adverse effects
Valproate increases the risk of adverse effects when given with penicillins (pivmecillinam). Avoid.
Unknown (5)
Penicillins - increases risk of skin rash
Allopurinol increases the risk of skin rash when given with penicillins (amoxicillin, ampicillin).
Penicillins - increases exposure
Leflunomide is predicted to increase the exposure to penicillins (benzylpenicillin).
Penicillins - increases exposure
Nitisinone is predicted to increase the exposure to penicillins (benzylpenicillin).
Penicillins - increases exposure
Teriflunomide is predicted to increase the exposure to penicillins (benzylpenicillin).
Phenindione - increases risk of bleeding events
Penicillins are predicted to increase the risk of bleeding events when given with phenindione.
Data from BNF 85 (British National Formulary). This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Matched via: class
About this medicine
Cloxacillin is an antibiotic that helps fight bacterial infections.
What it treats
- bacterial infections
- skin infections
- bone infections
- respiratory tract infections
How it works
Cloxacillin works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth.
Who it's for
Cloxacillin is for people who have specific bacterial infections that need treatment.
Drug class
Penicillins
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: cloxacillin
BNF-referencedCloxacillin is a semisynthetic antibiotic belonging to the penicillin class. It is primarily used for its bactericidal properties against certain Gram-positive bacteria, particularly those that produce beta-lactamase. Cloxacillin is effective in treating infections caused by staphylococci and is characterized by its ability to resist degradation by beta-lactamase enzymes, making it a valuable option in penicillin-resistant bacterial infections.
Indications
- Skin and soft tissue infections caused by susceptible Staphylococcus species
- Bone and joint infections (e.g., osteomyelitis) due to Staphylococcus
- Endocarditis prophylaxis in patients with penicillin-sensitive organisms
- Respiratory tract infections caused by susceptible organisms
Dosage
Children: For children, the dosage of cl
Adults: The usual adult dose for cloxacillin is 250 mg to 500 mg every 6 hours, depending on the severity and type of infection. Higher doses may be required for more severe infections.
Mechanism of action
Cloxacillin exerts its antibacterial effects by binding to specific penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located within the bacterial cell wall. This binding inhibits the third and final stage of bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to cell lysis mediated by bacterial autolytic enzymes such as autolysins. Cloxacillin is particularly effective against strains that produce penicillinase, thus broadening its spectrum of activity compared to penicillin.
Pharmacodynamics
As a semisynthetic penicillin, cloxacillin exhibits bactericidal activity, primarily targeting Gram-positive bacteria. Its action is contingent upon the bacteria being in a multiplying state since penicillins do not affect existing cell walls. Cloxacillin's effectiveness is enhanced against beta-lactamase producing strains, allowing for successful treatment of infections that would otherwise be resistant to standard penicillin.
Pharmacokinetics
Cloxacillin is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with peak plasma concentrations occurring approximately 1 to 2 hours after oral administration. It has a volume of distribution that indicates good tissue penetration, and it is metabolized in the liver. The elimination half-life is approximately 0.5 to 1 hour, with renal excretion being the primary route of elimination for the unchanged drug.
Contra-indications
- History of hypersensitivity to cloxacillin or any other penicillin antibiotics
- Severe renal impairment
- History of allergic reactions to beta-lactam antibiotics
Adverse effects
- Allergic reactions (rash, urticaria, anaphylaxis)
- Gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
- Hepatic dysfunction (elevated liver enzymes)
- Renal impairment (nephrotoxicity)
- Hematological reactions (eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia)
Interactions
- Probenecid may increase serum levels of cloxacillin
- Anticoagulants (may increase effect)
- Other antibiotics (may have antagonistic effects)
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with renal impairment
- Monitor for signs of allergic reactions
- Caution in patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis
Pregnancy
Cloxacillin is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy, but it should only be used when clearly needed.
Breast-feeding
Cloxacillin is excreted in breast milk; caution is advised when administering to nursing mothers.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from light. Once reconstituted, it should be stored in the refrigerator and used within a specified time frame as per manufacturer instructions.
Formulations
- Capsules
- Injection (vial for intravenous use)
- Oral suspension
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: cloxacillin
PubChem CID 6098Molecular formula: C19H18ClN3O5S
Mechanism of action
By binding to specific penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall, cloxacillin inhibits the third and last stage of bacterial cell wall synthesis. Cell lysis is then mediated by bacterial cell wall autolytic enzymes such as autolysins; it is possible that cloxacillin interferes with an autolysin inhibitor. ...ITS ANTIBACTERIAL SPECTRUM AGAINST GRAM-POSITIVE BACTERIA IS LIKE THAT OF PENICILLIN EXCEPT IT IS BROADER BY MARGIN OF THOSE STRAINS OR SPECIES THAT PRODUCE PENICILLINASE. ...IT IS LESS ACTIVE THAN PENICILLIN G AGAINST NON-PENICILLINASE-PRODUCING BACTERIA, ESPECIALLY STREPTOCOCCI. /CLOXACILLIN MONOHYDRATE/ SINCE PENICILLIN HAS NO EFFECT ON EXISTING CELL WALLS, BACTERIA MUST BE MULTIPLYING FOR BACTERIAL ACTION OF PENICILLIN TO BE MANIFEST. /PENICILLINS/ The penicillins and their metabolites are potent immunogens because of their ability to combine with proteins and act as haptens for acute antibody-mediated reactions. The most frequent (about 95 percent) or "major" determinant of penicillin allergy is the penicilloyl determinant produced by opening the beta-lactam ring of the penicillin. This allows linkage of the penicillin to protein at the amide group. "Minor" determinants (less frequent) are the other metabolites formed, including native penicillin and penicilloic acids. /Penicillins/ Bactericidal; inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis. Action is dependent on the ability of penicillins to reach and bind penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located on the inner membrane of the bacterial cell wall. Penicillin-binding proteins (which include transpeptidases, carboxypeptidases, and endopeptidases) are enzymes that are involved in the terminal stages of assembling the bacterial cell wall and in reshaping the cell wall during growth and division. Penicillins bind to, and inactivate, penicillin-binding proteins, resulting in the weakening of the bacterial cell wall and lysis. /Penicillins/ TOLERANCE DEVELOPED TO MULTIPLE DOSING. /PENICILLINS/
Pharmacodynamics
Cloxacillin is a semisynthetic antibiotic in the same class as penicillin. Cloxacillin is for use against staphylococci that produce beta-lactamase.
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
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The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.
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