Dicloxacillin
Written By Dr. Anuj Saini
Reviewed By Dr. Rajeev SharmaLast updated 25 Nov 2025 | 09:34 AM (UTC)
Dicloxacillin Uses
Dicloxacillin is used in the treatment of bacterial infections.
How Dicloxacillin works
Dicloxacillin is an antibiotic. It kills bacteria by preventing them from forming their own protective covering (cell wall) which is needed for them to survive.
Common side effects of Dicloxacillin
Vomiting, Nausea, Skin rash, Gastrointestinal disturbance, Urticaria, Abdominal pain, Flatulence, Loose stools
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Expert advice for Dicloxacillin
- You have been prescribed Dicloxacillin for the treatment of bacterial infections.
- Finish the prescribed course, even if you start to feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection come back and harder to treat.
- Take it on an empty stomach, or at least one hour before or two hours after meals.Â
- It may not be well tolerated due to its side effects such as belching and metallic taste in mouth.
- Diarrhea may occur as a side effect but should stop when your course is complete. Inform your doctor if it doesn't stop or if you find blood in your stools.
- Inform your doctor immediately if you develop an itchy rash, swelling of the face, throat or tongue or breathing difficulties while taking this medicine.
- You have been prescribed Dicloxacillin for the treatment of bacterial infections.
- It is given by an injection into a vein or muscle, or via a drip into a vein.
- Finish the prescribed course, even if you start to feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection come back and harder to treat.
- Diarrhea may occur as a side effect but should stop when your course is complete. Inform your doctor if it doesn't stop or if you find blood in your stools.
- Inform your doctor immediately if you develop an itchy rash, swelling of the face, throat or tongue or breathing difficulties while taking this medicine.
Frequently asked questions for Dicloxacillin
Although it is rare but yes, Dicloxacillin can cause allergic reaction and is harmful in patients with known allergy to penicillins. Get emergency medical help if you have any of the signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Usually, Dicloxacillin starts working soon after taking it. However, it may take around 2-3 days to make you feel better while taking Dicloxacillin.
Inform your doctor if you don't feel better after finishing the full course of treatment. Also, inform him if your symptoms are getting worse while using this medicine.
No, do not stop taking Dicloxacillin and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared.
Taking Dicloxacillin with food will only make it less effective. Moreover, the absorption of this medicine is the most when taken on an empty stomach. Taking it with food reduces its absorption.