What is Flucloxacillin-sodium?
Flucloxacillin-sodium (also known as Flucloxacillin sodium salt) is an antibiotic belonging to the penicillin class. It has a broad spectrum of activity against Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species. The addition of “sodium” in its name indicates that it is the sodium salt of the antibiotic flucloxacillin. As a member of the oxacillin subgroup within the penicillins, Flucloxacillin-sodium has strong activity against beta-lactamase-producing strains, making it effective against resistant bacterial infections.
What is Flucloxacillin-sodium used for?
Flucloxacillin sodium, also known as Staphaxin or Cloxapen among others, is a broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotic used in the treatment of various bacterial infections. It belongs to the class of beta-lactam antibiotics, which function by inhibiting cell wall synthesis in susceptible bacteria. Flucloxacillin sodium’s effectiveness lies in its ability to retain activity against beta-lactamase-producing strains of Staphylococcus aureus and other gram-positive cocci, making it particularly useful for treating skin and soft tissue infections caused by these pathogens.
The mechanism of action involves the binding of flucloxacillin sodium to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) on the bacterial cell wall. This binding causes a disruption in the synthesis of the peptidoglycan layer, ultimately leading to osmotic imbalance within the bacterial cells and resulting in their death or inhibition. As a result, the antibiotic exerts its bacteriostatic effect by preventing bacterial replication and multiplication. Flucloxacillin sodium is administered orally or intravenously, depending on the severity of the infection and the preference of the treating physician. It has been reported to be generally safe when used appropriately, although potential adverse effects may include gastrointestinal disturbances, allergic reactions, and alterations in liver function test values.
Flucloxacillin-sodium side effects
• Diarrhea • Abdominal pain • Vomiting • Headache • Allergic reactions (e.g., rash, itching, difficulty breathing) • Hypersensitivity reactions • Rare but serious side effects: - Blood disorders (e.g., anemia, low platelet count) - Increased liver enzymes - Pancreatitis - Muscle weakness - Nervous system problems (e.g., seizures, confusion) - Psychiatric disturbances (e.g., depression, anxiety)
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