Cloxacillin

Fact Checked

Medically reviewed by Joseph Blais, Pharmacist

Last updated on 19/03/2021.

GENERIC NAME: Cloxacillin

CHINESE NAME: 氯唑西林

BRAND NAME(S) IN HONG KONG: Apo-Cloxi, Cloxacap, Cloxamox, Cloxacin, Lampicin (Contains Cloxacillin and Ampicillin)

DRUG CLASS: Antibiotic

USED FOR: Treatment or prevention of bacterial infections

OTHER DRUGS IN THE SAME CLASS: Ampicillin, Dicloxacillin, Nafcillin, Oxacillin, Penicillin

AVAILABLE DOSAGE FORMS:
– 250mg, 500mg (capsules)
– 500mg (injections)

What is Cloxacillin for?

Cloxacillin is an antibiotic for treating or preventing bacterial (especially Staphylococcal) infections, including but not limited to the following:

– Bone and joint infections
– Bacterial infections heart valves or cardiac devices (endocarditis)
– Pneumonia
– Skin infections
– Toxic shock syndrome

How to use it?

Cloxacillin can be either taken by mouth in conventional tablets or by parenteral injection.

Orally, the usual adult dose of Cloxacillin ranges from 250-500 mg every six hours. The usual dose of injectable Cloxacillin ranges from 250-1000 mg every six hours. Higher doses of injectable Cloxacillin may be used in severe infections.

What are the side effects of Cloxacillin?

The common side effects of Cloxacillin include, skin rashes, stomach and intestinal pain, diarrhoea, flatulence, and nausea.

Who should not take Cloxacillin?

Anyone who has an allergy to cloxacillin or other penicillins.

Pharmacist Tips:

Antibiotics like Cloxacillin may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Consider using another form of contraception while taking Cloxacillin.

Common dosing schedule:
Take Cloxacillin on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals) which enhances its absorption.

This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.

Some common medications Cloxacillin may interact with:
– Warfarin
– Oral contraceptives, e.g. Desogestrel, Drospirenone, Levonorgestrel

Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.

Where to buy Cloxacillin in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, Cloxacillin is a prescription-only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.

For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk/

Need more information?

For detailed information about the use of Cloxacillin in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.