Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Cloxacillin for Injection
ABOUT THIS MEDICATION
What the medication is used for:
Cloxacillin for Injection is used to treat streptococcus, pneumonia, and staphylococcus bacterial infections.
Antibacterial drugs like Cloxacillin for Injection treat only bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections such as the common cold. Although you may feel better early in treatment, Cloxacillin for Injection should be used exactly as directed.
Misuse or overuse of Cloxacillin for Injection could lead to the growth of bacteria that will not be killed by Cloxacillin for Injection (resistance). This means that Cloxacillin for Injection may not work for you in the future. Do not share your medicine.
What it does:
Cloxacillin prevents bacteria from reproducing, which allows your body to fight only the existing bacteria. Cloxacillin for Injection is given intravenously, intramuscularly, or through intravenous infusion.
When it should not be used:
Do not use Cloxacillin for Injection if:
- You are allergic to cloxacillin, penicillin, or cephalosporin medication.
What the medicinal ingredient is:
The medicinal ingredient in Cloxacillin for Injection is cloxacillin, presented as cloxacillin sodium.
What the important nonmedicinal ingredients are:
There are no non-medicinal ingredients. As cloxacillin is presented in its salt form, there are approximately 50mg of sodium per 1g of active ingredient.
What dosage forms it comes in:
Cloxacillin for Injection is available in vials of 500mg, 1g, 2g, and 10 g of cloxacillin as cloxacillin sodium.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
BEFORE you use Cloxacillin for Injection talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have:
- kidney problems
- liver problems
- had allergic reactions before
- been taking corticosteroid medication
- been taking immunosuppressant medication
or are pregnant or planning a pregnancy
INTERACTIONS WITH THIS MEDICATION
Drugs that may interact with Cloxacillin for Injection include:
- Probenecid
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any other herbs or vitamin supplements you may be taking.
PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION
Usual Dose:
Adults: 250-500mg every 6 hours (Maximum 6g/day).
Pediatrics (up to 20kg): 25 to 50 mg/kg/day into 4 equal doses every 6 hours.
This dose may be adjusted by your doctor depending on your particular condition and age.
Overdose:
Missed Dose:
Consult your doctor if you miss a dose.
SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
Cloxacillin for Injection may cause some side effects such as nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal discomfort, gas, and diarrhea.
If you think you, or a person you are caring for, have taken too much Cloxacillin for Injection, contact a healthcare professional, hospital emergency department, regional poison control centre or Health Canada’s toll-free number, 1-844 POISON-X (1-844-764-7669) immediately, even if there are no signs or symptoms.
| SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS, HOW OFTEN THEY HAPPEN AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM | ||
| Symptom / effect | Talk with your doctor or pharmacist | Stop taking drug and seek immediate emergency medical attention |
| Only if severe | In all cases | |
| Rare | ||
| Allergic reaction (including skin redness, rash, sneezing, swelling and trouble breathing) | ||
| ✓ | ||
| Weakness, weight loss, general malaise (due to problems with white or red blood cells) | ||
| ✓ | ||
This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking Cloxacillin for Injection contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Reporting side effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
- Visiting the Web page on Adverse Reaction Reporting (canada.ca/drug-device-reporting) for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax; or
- Calling toll-free at 1-866-234-2345.
NOTE: Contact your healthcare professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.
HOW TO STORE IT
Store Cloxacillin for Injection at controlled room temperature (15° - 30°C).
MORE INFORMATION
This document plus the full Prescribing Information, prepared for health professionals can be obtained by contacting the sponsor, SteriMax Inc. at: 1-800-881-3550.