Manufacturer:
Apotex Inc.

Generic Name:
cloxacillin

Route:
oral

Why is it prescribed?

Apo-Cloxi® capsules contains cloxacillin.

Cloxacillin is used to treat mild to moderately severe infections caused by susceptible types of bacteria. This material will be limited to the treatment of infections of the respiratory tract (e.g. sinusitis, bronchitis, tonsillitis).

Side Effects

Apo-Cloxi® capsules contains cloxacillin.

Along with its needed effects, cloxacillin may cause some unwanted or undesirable effects. Generally, cloxacillin is well tolerated and many people will not experience unwanted effects. The frequency and severity of these effects is dependant on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible unwanted effects include:

• diarrhea
• loose stools
• heart burn
• nausea
• vomiting
• gas

• allergy (e.g. hives, itching, rash, difficulty breathing)
• inflammation of the tongue and mouth

• pseudomembranous colitis (inflammation of the colon caused by the overgrowth and toxin production of certain bacteria, causing diarrhea)
• blood in stools
• black hairy tongue

Precautions and Warnings for Apo-Cloxi® capsules

Apo-Cloxi® capsules contains cloxacillin

Allergic reactions can occur with cloxacillin use. People with a history of allergy, asthma, hay fever or hives seem to be more susceptible to these reactions. The reaction can be immediate and severe. Allergic symptoms include wheezing, hives, itching, swelling, spasms in the throat and breathing tubes, joint and muscle pain, difficulty breathing, fever and skin rashes. Nausea and vomiting are not symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Cloxacillin is a semisynthetic penicillin. If you have an allergy to penicillin, you should not take cloxacillin. Cephalosporins (e.g. cephalexin) are a distinct group of antibiotics related to penicillins. People allergic to cephalosporins may also be allergic to penicillins.
Taking the antibiotic repeatedly or for prolonged periods may result in bacterial or fungal overgrowth which can lead to a second infection. When this occurs, the cloxacillin may need to be stopped and another antibiotic prescribed to treat the new infection.
Diarrhea often develops while taking cloxacillin. This is sometimes caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut that are not killed by the antibiotic. In severe cases, this may be life threatening and would require treatment with other antibiotics. In mild cases, symptoms disappear shortly after the drug is discontinued.
Drug Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist of any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking. In some cases, the dose of one or both drugs may need to be altered or another drug may be prescribed. The following drugs or drug classes have been known to interact with cloxacillin:

• warfarin (e.g. Coumadin®)
• probenecid (e.g. Benemid®)
• methotrexate

• allergy to any penicillin (e.g. amoxicillin)

• allergy to cephalosporins (e.g. cephalexin)

Patient Information

Use exactly as prescribed.
Absorption of Apo-Cloxi® is decreased by food. It should be taken on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal).
Take Apo-Cloxi® at even intervals around the clock as prescribed (e.g. every 6 hours translates to 4 times a day) until finished. Failure to take the complete course can result in incomplete elimination of the bacteria which can lead to a relapse of the infection. The prescribed course generally lasts a few days longer than symptoms of the infection (e.g. fever). Treatment usually lasts 14 days. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, do not take 2 doses at once (unless you have been instructed to do so). Contact your pharmacist if you are not sure what to do.
Apo-Cloxi® may produce an allergic reaction which can range in severity from a mild rash or itching to a life-threatening reaction. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience rash, itching, fever, difficulty breathing, chest tightness or anything else that alarms you.
If diarrhea occurs (severe or persistent), contact your doctor or pharmacist. Do not treat diarrhea without being instructed to do so.

Directions for Use

The usual dose for adults is 250 mg to 500 mg every 6 hours depending on the severity of the infection being treated. The usual dose for children is 50 mg to 100 mg for each kilogram of body weight per day in equally divided doses every 6 hours.

Lung Diseases Treated with this Drug

• respiratory tract infections
• sinusitis
• tonsilitis

Need More Information?

For more information contact your physician, pharmacist, other health care professional or for general questions call your local lung association.