Sometimes the illness we get doesn't go away in a day or two, right? At such times, when we go to a doctor, they say, "This is a bacterial infection, we need to start an antibiotic." Oxacillin is a very important medicine that is given as a vaccine for such bacterial infections. Let's talk about this in a little more detail today.
What is Oxacillin?
Simply put, Oxacillin is an antibiotic belonging to the penicillin family. Its main function is to destroy certain types of bacteria that enter our bodies and cause disease.
It is important to remember that this medicine only works for bacterial infections . It does not cure viral infections like the common cold, flu, and cough. Therefore, it is not advisable to use this medicine without a doctor's prescription.
Things to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before you are given the Oxacillin vaccine, your doctor will ask you some questions. It is very important that you tell them everything clearly and without hiding anything about your health condition.
| Your situation | What to tell the doctor |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Be sure to tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to oxacillin, other types of penicillin, cephalosporin antibiotics, other foods, medications, preservatives, or dyes. |
| Other medical conditions | Please inform us if you have asthma, kidney disease, or liver disease. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, be sure to tell your doctor before taking the medication. |
How do you use this medicine?
This medicine is usually given as an injection. It is given into a muscle or into a vein . This treatment is often done in a hospital or clinic under the supervision of medical staff.
However, in some special cases, you may need to receive this vaccine at home. If so, the medical staff will teach you how to prepare it and give yourself the injection. It is very important to take the exact dose, at the exact time, as your doctor tells you. Do not stop taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
What do you do with used needles?
This is very important. If you are getting your injections at home, never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. They should be put in a special sharps container that is provided. If you don't have one, ask your doctor about how to get one.
What to do if the medication dose is increased?
If you think you have been given too much of this medicine, don't panic. There are two things you should do immediately.
1. Call the National Poisons Information Centre at the National Hospital in Colombo.
2. Go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share this medicine with anyone else.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
It is very important to take your medicine on time. If you miss a scheduled appointment, call your doctor right away and tell them. If you are taking your medicine at home, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose or extra doses.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Other medications you are taking may interact with Oxacillin. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.
| Things that can cause problems |
|---|
| Birth control pills |
| Probenecid |
| Some antibiotics, such as doxycycline, minocycline, and tetracycline |
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the other medications, herbal products, vitamins, and supplements you are taking, as well as if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs .
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Severe skin reactions: Severe skin reactions may occur even weeks after starting this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you develop a rash with fever or a feverish feeling. These rashes may turn red or purple, then blister and the skin may start to peel. Or you may see a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits. If you notice any of these symptoms , tell your doctor right away .
- Diarrhea: If you have diarrhea, do not self-treat with over-the-counter medication. If you have diarrhea for more than two days, or if the diarrhea is severe and watery, call your doctor.
- Urine tests: This medicine may affect the results of some urine glucose tests done by people with diabetes. If you are taking such tests, talk to your doctor about it.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, oxacillin can cause some side effects. Some of them are serious, while others are common.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| • Allergies (skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue) | • Difficulty breathing |
| • Fever | • Redness, blistering, peeling of the skin, including inside the mouth |
| • Seizures | • Stomach ache, limping |
| • Difficulty urinating or a change in the amount of urine you produce | • Unusual bruising or bleeding |
| • Feeling unusually weak or tired | |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| • Diarrhea | • Headache |
| • Stomach upset | |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any other discomfort in addition to these, call your doctor for advice.
Take-Home Message
- Oxacillin is a powerful antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It does not work against viral infections.
- Before taking the medicine, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all other medications you are taking.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as severe skin rashes, swelling, or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice immediately.
- Take the full dose of medicine prescribed by your doctor for the full duration of the prescribed course. Do not stop taking it halfway.
- If you have any concerns about this medicine, talk to your doctor.
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