indication

Used to treat infections caused by penicillinase-producing staphylococci, including pneumococci, group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, and penicillin G-sensitive and penicillin G-resistant staphylococci.

pharmacology

Cloxacillin is a semisynthetic antibiotic in the same class as penicillin. Cloxacillin is for use against staphylococci that produce beta-lactamase.

mechanism of action

By binding to specific penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall, cloxacillin inhibits the third and last stage of bacterial cell wall synthesis. Cell lysis is then mediated by bacterial cell wall autolytic enzymes such as autolysins; it is possible that cloxacillin interferes with an autolysin inhibitor.

toxicity

Oral LD₅₀ in rat and mouse is 5000 mg/kg. Intravenous LD₅₀ in rat is 1660 mg/kg. Symptoms of overdose include wheezing, tightness in the chest, fever, itching, bad cough, blue skin color, fits, and swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

absorption

Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

drug interactions

Demeclocycline: Possible antagonism of action

Doxycycline: Possible antagonism of action

Ethinyl Estradiol: This anti-infectious agent could decrease the effect of the oral contraceptive

Mestranol: This anti-infectious agent could decrease the effect of the oral contraceptive

Methacycline: Possible antagonism of action

Methotrexate: The penicillin increases the effect and toxicity of methotrexate

Minocycline: Possible antagonism of action

Oxytetracycline: Possible antagonism of action

Rolitetracycline: Possible antagonism of action

Tetracycline: Possible antagonism of action