Drugs & Vitamins

Pathocil Suspension Active Ingredients: Dicloxacillin Suspension Representative Names: Dynapen Suspension, Pathocil Suspension What is dicloxacillin oral suspension? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with dicloxacillin? What side effects may I notice from taking dicloxacillin? What should I watch for while taking dicloxacillin? Where can I keep my medicine? What is dicloxacillin oral suspension? (Back to top) DICLOXACILLIN (Dynapen®, Pathocil®) is a penicillin antibiotic. Dicloxacillin kills certain bacteria that cause infection, or stops their growth. Dicloxacillin treats infections of the skin and soft tissues, joints, urinary and respiratory tracts. Generic dicloxacillin oral suspension is not yet available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •asthma •eczema •stomach problems (especially colitis) •other chronic illness •an unusual or allergic reaction to dicloxacillin, other penicillins, cephalosporin antibiotics, foods, dyes, or preservatives •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take dicloxacillin oral suspension by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon, or container to measure the medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one; household spoons are not always accurate. Take dicloxacillin 1 to 2 hours before or at least 2 hours after eating; taking it with food can make it less effective. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. There should be an interval of at least 4 to 6 hours between doses. What drug(s) may interact with dicloxacillin? (Back to top) •certain antibiotics given by injection •probenecid Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking dicloxacillin? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •black, tarry stools •difficulty breathing, wheezing •fever or chills, sore throat •headache •red spots on the skin •redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth •seizures (convulsions) •severe or watery diarrhea •skin rash, itching •stomach pain or cramps •swollen joints •unusual bleeding or bruising •unusual weakness or tiredness Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •diarrhea •nausea, vomiting •sore mouth What should I watch for while taking dicloxacillin? (Back to top) Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 2 or 3 days. If you get severe or watery diarrhea, do not treat yourself. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice. If you get a skin rash, do not treat yourself. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice. If you are diabetic and taking large doses of dicloxacillin, you may get a false-positive result for sugar in your urine. Check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children. After dicloxacillin suspension is mixed, it is best to store it in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after 14 days. Last Updated:01/01/2001 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.