Orbenin (Cloxacillin)

(Rx) Prescription Required- Cloxacillin is the Generic Equivalent of Orbenin

Orbenin (Cloxacillin) Dosage and Side Effects

Cloxacillin is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. This medication is a type of penicillin antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

Proper Use of this medication

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. This medication is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals).

If you are using the liquid suspension form of this medicine, shake the bottle well before each dose.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. In children, the dosage is also based on weight and age.

For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) every day.

Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Side Effects

Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, and mouth sores may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Although uncommon, you may develop a black, "hairy" tongue while taking this medication. This effect is harmless and usually goes away after treatment. Maintain good oral hygiene, and brush your tongue with a soft toothbrush twice a day. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: unusual tiredness, persistent sore throat, muscle aches, joint pain/swelling.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: easy bruising/bleeding, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine, pink urine), dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin.

This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to a resistant bacteria. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrheaproducts or narcotic pain medications if you have the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool.

Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection (oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), new fever, chills, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Warnings and Precautions

Before taking cloxacillin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other antibiotics including penicillin-type medications (e.g., amoxicillin, ampicillin, penicillin) or cephalosporins (e.g., cephalexin, cefuroxime); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems.

Cloxacillin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work as well. Do not have any immunizations/vaccinations while using this medication unless your doctor tells you to.

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be more sensitive to this drug.

Kidney function is not fully developed in newborns. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, newborns may be more sensitive to this drug.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions with this medication

Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: fusidic acid, methotrexate, tetracyclines, warfarin, khat, guar gum.

Although most antibiotics are unlikely to affect hormonal birth control such as pills, patch, or ring, a few antibiotics (such as rifampin, rifabutin) can decrease their effectiveness. This could result in pregnancy. If you use hormonal birth control, ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Cloxacillin may cause false positive results with certain diabetic urine testing products (cupric sulfate-type). This drug may also affect the results of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this drug.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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