Amoxicillin+dicloxacillin
About Amoxicillin+dicloxacillin
Amoxicillin+dicloxacillin is a combination prescription antibiotic used to treat susceptible bacterial infections, including certain infections of the skin, respiratory tract, bones, and joints. It contains two penicillin-type antibiotics that stop bacteria from building protective cell walls, helping the body clear the infection.
Take this medicine regularly and at evenly spaced intervals as directed by your doctor. It is commonly taken on an empty stomach, often one hour before or two hours after meals, because food may reduce the absorption of dicloxacillin. Follow the instructions provided for your specific product and complete the full prescribed course, even if you start feeling better.
Common side effects may include mild diarrhoea, nausea, or stomach discomfort. Seek prompt medical attention if you develop severe or bloody diarrhoea, a widespread rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Before starting treatment, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems or a history of allergy to antibiotics. Do not take this medicine if you have had a severe allergic reaction to penicillin antibiotics. Your doctor may also assess the risk of cross-reactivity if you have a history of serious reactions to cephalosporins.
Tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements you take, particularly blood thinners and medicines for gout. Penicillin-type antibiotics do not generally reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives directly. However, vomiting or severe diarrhoea may reduce contraceptive absorption. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, an older adult, or giving this medicine to a child, seek medical guidance before use.
Uses of Amoxicillin+dicloxacillin
Medicinal Benefits
Amoxicillin+dicloxacillin combines two penicillin-type antibiotics to treat susceptible bacterial infections. The combination helps target a broader range of bacteria, including certain bacteria that produce enzymes capable of inactivating some penicillin antibiotics.
- Treats Bacterial Infections: Helps eliminate susceptible bacteria responsible for infections of the respiratory tract, skin, soft tissues, and other affected areas.
- Provides Complementary Antibacterial Action: Combines two antibiotics with complementary activity to improve coverage against susceptible bacteria, including certain penicillinase-producing strains.
- Relieves Infection-Related Symptoms: By controlling the underlying bacterial infection, it helps reduce symptoms such as pain, swelling, redness, and fever.
- Helps Prevent Infection Progression: Timely and complete treatment may reduce the risk of the infection worsening or spreading to other parts of the body.
- Supports Recovery: Effective control of the infection helps restore comfort and supports a return to normal daily activities.
Directions for Use
- Amoxicillin+dicloxacillin should be taken either 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Swallow Amoxicillin+dicloxacillin as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Amoxicillin+dicloxacillin
Common Side Effects (Usually mild)
- Mild diarrhoea or loose stools
- Nausea, vomiting, or stomach discomfort
- Mild skin rash or itching
- Oral thrush or yeast infection after prolonged use
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away)
- Severe, watery, or bloody diarrhoea accompanied by stomach cramps
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or severe hives
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine, which are signs of liver damage
- Unusual bleeding or easy bruising
Drug Warnings
- Follow the Recommended Dose Timing: Take Amoxicillin+dicloxacillin exactly as prescribed. If advised to take it on an empty stomach, take it with a full glass of water at the recommended time before or after meals.
- Do Not Share Your Antibiotic: Never share this medicine with others, even if they have similar symptoms, as antibiotics should be used only for appropriately diagnosed bacterial infections.
- Discuss Contraception if Needed: Most broad-spectrum antibiotics do not directly reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. However, vomiting or severe diarrhoea can reduce contraceptive absorption, so follow missed-pill guidance and ask your doctor if additional protection is needed.
- Report Severe Diarrhoea or Abdominal Cramps: Contact your doctor promptly if you develop severe, persistent, or bloody diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, or fever during or after treatment, as this may indicate antibiotic-associated colitis.
- Inform Healthcare Providers Before Tests: Tell your doctor or laboratory staff that you are taking Amoxicillin+dicloxacillin, as penicillin antibiotics may interfere with certain laboratory test results.
Drug Interactions
Amoxicillin+dicloxacillin may interact with certain medicines and alter their effects or increase the risk of side effects. Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
- Blood Thinners: Medicines such as warfarin may require closer monitoring because penicillin antibiotics can sometimes affect blood clotting control.
- Probenecid: This gout medicine can reduce the removal of penicillin antibiotics from the body, potentially increasing their levels and the risk of side effects.
- Methotrexate: Penicillin antibiotics may reduce the clearance of methotrexate in some patients, potentially increasing the risk of toxicity.
- Other Antibiotics: Certain antibiotics may affect antibacterial action when used together, so combinations should be taken only as prescribed.
- Hormonal Contraceptives: Penicillin-type antibiotics do not generally reduce contraceptive effectiveness directly. However, vomiting or severe diarrhoea may reduce the absorption of oral contraceptive pills. Follow the missed-pill or illness guidance provided with your contraceptive and seek advice if needed.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionConsumption of alcohol may increase the risk of side-effects.
Pregnancy
cautionAmoxicillin+dicloxacillin is a category B medicine and may not cause any harmful effects to the fetus. However, the Amoxicillin+dicloxacillin should be used only when prescribed by a doctor if the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionAmoxicillin+dicloxacillin may pass through the breastmilk. So, the Amoxicillin+dicloxacillin should be used with caution in breastfeeding mothers only when prescribed by a doctor.
Driving
cautionAmoxicillin+dicloxacillin may affect your ability to drive. Avoid driving or any work that requires concentration.
Liver
cautionAmoxicillin+dicloxacillin should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionAmoxicillin+dicloxacillin should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
cautionAmoxicillin+dicloxacillin should be used with caution in children below 12 years. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Support your gut: Take a probiotic supplement or eat yoghurt with active cultures a few hours after your antibiotic dose to help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help your body process the medication and stay hydrated, especially if you experience mild diarrhoea.
- Complete the course: Finish all the medication prescribed to you, even if you feel completely better, to prevent the infection from returning or becoming resistant.
- Avoid alcohol: Do not drink alcohol during your treatment, as it can increase stomach irritation and place extra stress on your liver.
Special Advise
Amoxicillin+dicloxacillin can cause diarrhoea, so please increase the intake of fluids, do not take anti-diarrheal medication on your own, and consult your doctor for further advice/treatment.
Increase the intake of probiotics to avoid excessive diarrhoea.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infections: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply and infect our body. Infectious or harmful bacteria can make you sick and reproduce quickly in your body. These harmful bacteria produce chemicals known as toxins, which can damage tissue and make you sick. It can target any body part and multiply very quickly. When you get infected with bacteria, you can experience generalized symptoms like fevers, chills and fatigue. Bacteria are of various forms comprising commonly spherical, rod and spiral-shaped. Bacterial infections vary from minor illnesses like sore throat and ear infections to severe brain infections like meningitis and encephalitis. Anyone can become infected with a bacterial infection. But, people with weak immune systems or taking immunosuppressive medicine are more prone to bacterial infections.
FAQs
Amoxicillin+dicloxacillin is used to treat bacterial infections of the ear, nose, throat, skin, urinary tract, tonsils, bones, and lungs.
Amoxicillin+dicloxacillin is a combination of two medicines: Amoxicillin and Dicloxacillin. Amoxicillin and Dicloxacillin are antibiotics showing bactericidal (kills bacteria) activity. They work by preventing the formation of bacterial cell covering (protective cell wall) necessary for their survival. Together, Amoxicillin+dicloxacillin helps in treating bacterial infections.
Amoxicillin+dicloxacillin is probably safe at recommended doses when prescribed by a doctor in patients with diabetes.
The common side effects of Amoxicillin+dicloxacillin are heartburn, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, bloating, gas, mouth ulcers and red or swollen gums. These side effects usually go away without any medical attention. However, consult a doctor if these side effects persist or worsen.
Amoxicillin+dicloxacillin is usually well-tolerated and can also improve lung function when given to treat bacterial infections or flare-up symptoms in patients with asthma.
Amoxicillin+dicloxacillin is an antibiotic combination. The most common side effect of antibiotics is infectious diarrhoea. If you have watery stools, please consult your doctor, as if left untreated, it can lead to excessive dehydration.
No, you should take Amoxicillin+dicloxacillin on an empty stomach, either one hour before or two hours after a meal. Food significantly reduces how well your body absorbs this medication. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about how to schedule your doses.
Mild diarrhoea is a common side effect of antibiotics. However, if you experience severe, watery, or bloody diarrhoea with stomach cramps, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor immediately, as this could be a sign of a serious bowel condition. Talk to your doctor before taking any anti-diarrhoea medications.
Amoxicillin+dicloxacillin should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed and prescribed by your doctor. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor to weigh the benefits and potential risks.
It is highly recommended to avoid alcohol while taking Amoxicillin+dicloxacillin. Alcohol can increase your risk of stomach upset and put extra strain on your liver during your recovery. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for personalised advice.
No, Amoxicillin+dicloxacillin is an antibiotic and only treats bacterial infections. It will not work against viral infections like colds, flu, or bronchitis. Talk to your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis.
Penicillin-type antibiotics such as amoxicillin and dicloxacillin do not generally reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives directly. However, vomiting or severe diarrhoea can reduce the absorption of oral contraceptive pills. If this occurs, follow the missed-pill or illness instructions provided with your contraceptive and use additional protection if recommended.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you frequently miss doses.
