Dynapen

Dynapen is part of the drug class:

• Beta lactamase resistant penicillins

Dicloxacillin is a penicillin antibiotic that fights bacteria in your body.

Dicloxacillin is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or staphylococcal (also called "staph") infections.

Dicloxacillin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

• probenecid;

• tetracycline;

• a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven); or

• any other antibiotic.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with dicloxacillin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Penicillins are used to treat infections caused by bacteria. They work by killing the bacteria or preventing their growth.

There are several different kinds of penicillins. Each is used to treat different kinds of infections. One kind of penicillin usually may not be used in place of another. In addition, penicillins are used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. They are sometimes given with other antibacterial medicines (antibiotics). Some of the penicillins may also be used for other problems as determined by your doctor. However, none of the penicillins will work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.

Penicillins are available only with your doctor's prescription.

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Penicillins may cause diarrhea in some patients.

• Check with your doctor if severe diarrhea occurs. Severe diarrhea may be a sign of a serious side effect. Do not take any diarrhea medicine without first checking with your doctor. Diarrhea medicines may make your diarrhea worse or make it last longer.
• For mild diarrhea, diarrhea medicine containing kaolin or attapulgite (e.g., Kaopectate tablets, Diasorb) may be taken. However, other kinds of diarrhea medicine should not be taken. They may make your diarrhea worse or make it last longer.
• If you have any questions about this or if mild diarrhea continues or gets worse, check with your health care professional.

Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) containing estrogen may not work properly if you take them while you are taking ampicillin, amoxicillin, or penicillin V. Unplanned pregnancies may occur. You should use a different or additional means of birth control while you are taking any of these penicillins. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.

For diabetic patients:

• Penicillins may cause false test results with some urine sugar tests. Check with your doctor before changing your diet or the dosage of your diabetes medicine.

Before you have any medical tests, tell the doctor in charge that you are taking this medicine. The results of some tests may be affected by this medicine.

Applies to dicloxacillin: oral capsule, oral powder for reconstitution

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomatitis, black or hairy tongue, epigastric discomfort, flatulence, loose stools, and pseudomembranous colitis.[Ref]

Hematologic

Hematologic side effects have included neutropenia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Other penicillins have been associated with agranulocytosis and bone marrow depression.[Ref]

Hepatic

Hepatic side effects have included transient changes in SGOT, hepatotoxicity, and cholestatic hepatitis. Serum transaminase levels may take several weeks to return to normal following discontinuation of therapy.[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity reactions have included rash, fever, eosinophilia, pruritus, urticaria, angioneurotic edema, anaphylactic reactions (bronchospasm, hypotension, vascular collapse, death), laryngeal edema, laryngospasm, serum-sickness-like symptoms, fever, chills and myalgias.[Ref]

Renal

Renal side effects have rarely included renal failure. Increases in serum creatinine and acute renal failure have been reported with higher doses (3 to 4 grams daily) using an intravenous formulation, in postoperative patients with advanced age. Other penicillins have been associated with renal tubular damage and interstitial nephritis (rash, fever, eosinophilia, hematuria, proteinuria, renal insufficiency).[Ref]

Some side effects of Dynapen may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.