Has your doctor prescribed you this medicine called Dicloxacillin? Or has anyone in your family been given this medicine? Maybe the name sounds a bit strange. But this is a very useful medicine that is often given for bacterial infections. So today, let's talk simply and clearly about what kind of medicine this is and what we need to be especially careful about when using it.
Simply put, what is Dicloxacillin?
This is an antibiotic belonging to the penicillin group . Imagine that there are two types of germs that cause disease in our bodies, bacteria and viruses. This medicine called dicloxacillin is like a special police officer who only catches and destroys bacteria. That means it can cure infections caused by certain types of bacteria.
Most importantly, this medicine does not work for viral infections . That is, it will not cure illnesses caused by viruses, such as the common cold and flu. Therefore, you should avoid using this medicine without a doctor's prescription.
What are the things I need to tell the doctor before taking this medicine?
The more complete your doctor has of your health, the safer he or she can prescribe you the treatment. Therefore, before taking dicloxacillin, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
- If you have asthma .
- If you have previously had a serious intestinal disease (for example , colitis ).
- If you have skin diseases like eczema .
- If you have any kidney related condition.
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction to this dicloxacillin medicine, another type of penicillin, another antibiotic, a certain type of food, a preservative, or a dye.
- If you are pregnant, or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
This information is very important before prescribing medication.
What is the best way to use the medicine?
To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to use it correctly.
How to take the medicine
This is a pill that is usually taken by mouth. Take it every day, at the same time, as prescribed by your doctor. The most important thing is to take it on an empty stomach . That means at least one hour before or two hours after a meal . That's when the medicine is best absorbed and works best.
Complete the medication course!
This is a mistake that many people make. If the doctor tells you to take medicine for 7 days, even if you feel better in 3-4 days, you should definitely take the medicine for the entire 7 days. Otherwise, the worst bacteria left in the body will get used to the medicine and become stronger. Then the medicine will stop working on those bacteria. We call that antibiotic resistance .
If you give it to children
This medicine is sometimes prescribed for children, but there are special precautions. Therefore, follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have accidentally taken too much medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Please note: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give this to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
Things to be careful about when using the medicine
While taking this medicine, we need to be a little careful about some things.
Interactions with other medications
Not all medications you take are compatible with each other. Some medications can cause adverse effects when taken together.
| Nature of the impact | Medicines |
|---|---|
| Do not take this medicine together. | Tetracycline antibiotics |
| Tell your doctor if you are using these. |
|
In particular, if you are using birth control pills , they may be less effective while taking this antibiotic. Therefore, talk to your doctor about using an additional form of birth control (e.g. condoms) during this time.
Other things to keep in mind
- If symptoms do not improve: If your illness does not improve despite taking medication, or if new symptoms appear, inform your doctor.
- Severe skin reactions: Sometimes, even weeks after starting the medicine, severe skin reactions can occur. If you develop a fever, chills, and a rash that turns red or purple , and then blisters and peels off, or if your face or lips swell, or if your lymph nodes in your neck or armpits swell, seek medical attention immediately. This can be a serious condition.
- Diarrhea: If you have diarrhea for more than two days, especially if it is severe and watery, do not take over-the-counter medication and talk to your doctor.
- For people with diabetes: If you are taking medication for diabetes, taking this medication may cause a false positive result for sugar in your urine. Talk to your doctor about this as well.
What are the possible side effects of the medicine?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Let's break them down into two categories.
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
|
|
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| |
How to store medicine safely?
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius). Protect from excessive heat and moisture.
- Never use expired medicine and throw it away.
Take-Home Message
- Dicloxacillin is a penicillin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections . It does not work against viruses.
- Always take this medicine on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal).
- Even if you feel better, finish the entire dose of medicine prescribed by the doctor.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have (especially asthma, kidney disease) and any other medications you are taking (especially birth control pills).
- If you experience severe skin rashes, severe diarrhea, or other unusual symptoms while taking the medicine, contact your doctor immediately.
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