Dicloxacillin oral suspension

What is this medicine?

DICLOXACILLIN (dye klox a SILL in) is a penicillin antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early even if you feel better. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• black, tarry stool

• difficulty breathing, wheezing

• discolored tongue

• fever, chills

• pain or difficulty passing urine

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• seizures

• swollen joints

• unusual bleeding, bruising

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• headache

• nausea, vomiting

• sore mouth

• stomach upset

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• tetracycline antibiotics

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• birth control pills

• probenecid

• warfarin

What if I miss a dose?

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.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

After this medicine is mixed by your pharmacist, 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.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma

• bowel disease, like colitis

• eczema

• kidney disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to dicloxacillin, other penicillins or antibiotics, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care provider if your symptoms do not improve or if you get new symptoms.

This medicine may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medicine. Contact your health care provider right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.

Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

If you are diabetic, you may get a false positive result for sugar in your urine. Check with your health care provider.

Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control.