Cloxacillin Sodium

Generic Details

Generic Name

Cloxacillin Sodium

Other Names

  • Cloxacillin Na
  • Cloxacillin

Drug Class

  • Antibiotic
  • Penicillinase-resistant penicillin

Chemical Formula

C19H17ClN3NaO5S

Molecular Weight

475.85 g/mol

Mechanism of Action

  • Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs)

Indications

  • Skin and soft tissue infections
  • Bone infections
  • Respiratory tract infections
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Septicemia
  • Endocarditis

Common Dosage Forms

  • Capsules
  • Oral suspension
  • Powder for injection

Typical Dosage

  • 250-500 mg every 6 hours for adults

Pediatric Dosage

  • 25-50 mg/kg/day in divided doses for children

Geriatric Dosage

  • Dose adjustment may be required based on renal function

Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Allergic reactions
  • Liver toxicity
  • Renal toxicity

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to penicillins
  • History of severe allergic reactions

Pregnancy Category

  • Risk cannot be ruled out; use only if clearly needed

Lactation Safety

  • Small amounts excreted in breast milk, monitor infant for potential effects

Drug Interactions

  • Probenecid - increases serum levels of cloxacillin
  • Oral contraceptives - reduced efficacy with high-dose cloxacillin

Overdose Symptoms

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Seizures

Antidote for Overdose

  • Supportive care and symptomatic treatment

Storage Conditions

  • Store at room temperature (15-30°C)
  • Protect from light and moisture

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Well absorbed after oral administration
  • Distribution: Distributes well into tissues and body fluids
  • Metabolism: Partially metabolized in the liver
  • Excretion: Excreted mainly in the urine

Precautions

  • Caution in patients with renal impairment
  • Monitor for superinfections during prolonged use

Warnings

  • Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
  • Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction in patients with syphilis

Others

  • Commonly used for methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus infections