Dicloxacillin Uses, Side Effects, Chemical Structure and Preparation

Dicloxacillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic commonly prescribed for bacterial infections. Dicloxacillin belongs to the penicillins class of antibiotics. Penicillins are beta-lactamase inhibitors. Beta-lactams inhibit the enzyme beta-lactamases. These enzymes are responsible for breaking down penicillin.  Let's learn about dicloxacillin uses, side effects, chemical structure and preparation. 

Dicloxacillin uses 

Dicloxacillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. It is effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It works by killing bacteria. It functions by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis and preventing bacterial cell wall formation. Dicloxacillin may be prescribed for the treatment of bacterial infections.  Infections such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Escherichia coli (UTI). 

1. Dicloxacillin is used to kill Streptococcus pneumoniae. 

Streptococcus Pneumoniae (SP) is a gram-positive bacterium. It causes respiratory tract infections, including otitis media, sinusitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia. SP is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In children under 5 years old, invasive pneumococcal disease is the leading cause of death due to bacterial infection. 

2. Dicloxacillin is used to kill  Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium. 

This bacterium causes gonorrhea. Gonorrhea is an STD caused by infection with the Neisseria gonorrohoeae bacterium. Gonorrhea is spread primarily through sexual contact. Symptoms may appear anywhere from 2 days to several weeks after exposure. In women, symptoms include vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, and bleeding between menstrual cycles. Men may experience urethral discharge, penile swelling, painful urination, and low-grade fever. 

3. Dicloxacillin is used to kill Haemophilus influenzae.  

Haemophilus Influenzae (H.I.) is a gram-negative coccobacillus bacterium. This bacterium lives in the respiratory tract of humans. H.I. causes many different types of infections. These include pneumonia, meningitis, epiglottitis, septicemia, otitis media, sinusitis, conjunctivitis, and bronchopneumonia. 

4. Dicloxacillin is used to kill Staphylococcus Aureus  

Staphylococcus Aureus (S. Aureus) is a gram-positive bacterium. This bacterium causes infections in humans and animals. S. Aureus is commonly known as staph bacteria. It is a type of bacteria that lives naturally in the human body. It is not harmful unless it gets out of control. In fact, it is actually good for us! We have millions of these bacteria living in our bodies and they help keep us healthy. However, if we get sick, S. Aureus may cause infection. 

5. Dicloxacillin is used to kill Escherichia coli. 

This bacterium is commonly known as E.coli. It is a gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria that live in the intestines of humans and animals. It is a normal inhabitant of the human intestinal tract and is present in water supplies. There are many strains of E.coli, some of which cause illness while others do not. Most strains of E.colis are harmless to humans and animals. 

However, certain strains of E.coli can cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, and vomiting. These symptoms may last several days. In rare cases, people have died after contracting E.coli infections. 

Side effects of  Dicloxacillin 

1. Headaches

Dicloxacillin may cause headaches. If you experience any type of headache while taking this medication, stop taking it and contact your doctor immediately.

2. Nausea

Nausea is another side effect of Dicloxcin. If you feel nauseous while taking this drug, call your doctor right away.

3. Diarrhea

Diarrhea is yet another side effect of DICLOXACILLIN. Call your doctor if you have diarrhea while taking this medication.

4. Vomiting

Vomiting is another side effect of this antibiotic. If you vomit while taking this medication, call your doctor immediately.

5. Abdominal pain

Abdominal pain is another side effect of dicloxacillin. If you experience abdominal pain while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

6. Constipation

Constipation is another side effect of the antibiotic dicloxacillin. If you experience constipation while taking this medication, talk to your doctor about changing your dosage.

7. Skin rash

Skin rashes are another side effect of dicloxacillin. If you develop skin rashes while taking this medication, tell your doctor right away.

Clindamycin the active ingredient in Dicloxacillin. 

The active ingredient in Dicloxacillin is Clindamycin. It is a semi-synthetic derivative of lincomycin. Lincomycin a natural product produced by fermentation of various strains of Streptomyces lincolnensis.

Clindamycin is a white crystalline powder with a molecular formula of C24H30N2O8S2 and a molecular weight of 594.54 g/mol. It is slightly soluble in water and freely soluble in ethanol. 

Clindamycins have been shown to inhibit protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit. In addition, clindamycin inhibits peptide bond formation at the level of elongation factor G. It is metabolized primarily by the CYP3A4 enzyme system.

Clindamycilin is not recommended for use in children under 12 years old due to its potential side effects.

Side Effects:

• Urticaria 

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

• Rash 

• Headache

• Vomiting 

• Abdominal pain 

Chemical structure of dicloxacillin 

The chemical structure of dicloxacillin consists of two parts: a benzene ring and a piperazine group. Benzene rings are aromatic hydrocarbons. These hydrocarbons are present in many natural products and synthetic compounds. Piperazines are cyclic amines that are derived from ammonia and ethylene oxide.

Preparation of Dicloxacillin

Dicloxacillin is prepared by reacting 2-(aminomethyl)-phenoxyacetamide with phenylglycine methyl ester. Phenylglycine methyl esther is obtained by treating glycine methyl ester with phenylchloroformate.

Phenylglycine methylesther reacts with 2-(aminomethly)-phenoxyacetamide in the presence of sodium carbonate to give 2-(aminomethylethylideneamino)-phenoxyacetamide. This intermediate product undergoes cyclization in the presence of a base to yield dicloxacillin.

Conclusion

Dicloxacillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic that is commonly prescribed to treat bacterial infections. Dicloxacillin belongs to the group of beta-lactam antibiotics. Beta-lactams work by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) in bacteria.  Beta-lactams prevent bacteria from synthesizing peptidoglycan, the building block of their cell wall. 

Dicloxacillin  molecular formula is C12H14Cl2N2NaO4S. It was patented in 1961 and approved for medical use in 1962. Dicloxacillin may also be used for purposes not mentioned in this article

Disclaimer: Please consult your doctor before taking DICLOXACILLIN. Content on this site is for informational and educational purposes and is intended for students and science lovers only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.