Dicloxacillin is an antibiotic. It is used to treat infections that are caused by certain bacteria.
Take Dicloxacillin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Swallow the capsule whole with at least 120 mL of water. Do not take it while lying down on your back or immediately before going to bed.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your infection.
Take Dicloxacillin at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Dicloxacillin or any similar antibiotics such as penicillins (e.g. amoxicillin, cloxacillin) and cephalosporins (e.g. cefaclor, cefalexin).
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of significant allergies
- asthma
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. tests for urine glucose, proteins, uric acid, steroids), inform your doctor that you are taking Dicloxacillin.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver/kidney function, complete blood count, urinalysis) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction may also be needed.
Dicloxacillin may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or discomfort, stomach wind, itching, and sore or furry mouth or tongue.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth or throat
- severe or prolonged diarrhoea, stomach cramps
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- probenecid (medicine for gout or high uric acid level in the blood)
- warfarin (blood-thinning medicine)
- tetracycline (certain antibiotic)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Dicloxacillin.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.