Oxacillin sodium
Trade Names:
Bactocill, Prostaphlin
Type of Drug:
Oxacillin sodium is a semisynthetic penicillin that belongs to a general class of drugs called antibiotics.
How Drug Works:
Oxacillin sodium prevents bacteria from making their cell walls, so the cells die. It is used to treat gram-positive infections and bacteria that are resistent to penicillin.
How Drug Is Given:
Oxacillin sodium is taken by mouth 4 times a day for 10 to 14 days. Take with 8 oz of water on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. It can also be given as an injection in a vein over 30 minutes 6 times a day. The dose and how long you take it depends on your weight and the type of infection being treated. Keep the medicine in a tightly closed container away from heat and moisture and out of the reach of children and pets.
How Should I Take This Drug?
Take this drug exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or nurse to explain them to you.
Read the following information. If you do not understand it or if any of it causes you special concern, check with your doctor.
Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs, including vitamins and herbals.
Should I avoid any other medicines, foods, alcohol, and/or activities?
Your prescription and nonprescription medicines may interact with other drugs, causing harm. Certain foods or alcohol can also interact with drug products. Never begin taking a new medicine"prescription or nonprescription"without asking your doctor or nurse if it will interact with alcohol, food, or other medicines. Some drug products can cause drowsiness and affect activities such as driving.
Precautions:
Tell your doctor if you have any drug allergies, especially to antibiotic drugs. You should not take this drug if you are allergic to penicillin.
All antibiotics can cause allergic reactions. Stop the drug and tell your doctor or nurse right away if you develop a rash, hives, red blotches on your skin, difficulty breathing, or chest pain.
Use of antibiotics can change the normal organisms in your body. Women are at risk for fungal infections. Tell your nurse or doctor if you get vaginal itching or discharge.
This drug should be used with caution by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Tell all the doctors, dentists, and pharmacists you visit that you are taking this drug.
  • Most of the following side effects probably will not occur.
  • Your doctor or nurse will want to discuss specific care instructions with you.
  • They can help you understand these side effects and help you deal with them.
Side Effects:
More Common Side Effects
  • Nausea
  • Vaginal itching
  • Vaginal candidiasis (fungal infection)
Less Common Side Effects
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Sores in mouth
  • Irritation of the vein used to give the drug
Rare Side Effects
  • Rash
  • Hives
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Itching
  • Muscle aches
  • Swelling of feet
  • Darkening and peeling of skin
  • Diarrhea related to infection of the intestinal lining (pseudomembranous colitis)
  • Decreased white blood cell count with increased risk of infection
  • Seizures
  • Decreased red blood cell count with increased risk of tiredness and anemia
  • Blood in urine
  • Abnormal liver function blood tests
  • Inflammation of liver (hepatitis)
Side Effects / Symptoms of the Drug

Stop the drug and call your doctor or nurse right away if you develop a rash, fever, chills, or peeling skin. This can be a serious reaction and needs to be treated right away.

Stop the drug and call your doctor or nurse right away if you get diarrhea that does not stop, abdominal cramping, or blood and/or pus in the stool. This needs to be treated right away.
Other side effects not listed above can also occur in some patients. Tell your doctor or nurse if you develop any problems.
FDA Approval: Yes