Category:

• Antibiotic

Description:

• Penicillinase-Resistant Penicillin

Indications:

• Mild to moderate infections caused by penicillinase-producing staphylococci

• Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

• Localized soft tissue/skin infections

• Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

• Disseminated infections

Contraindications:

• None

Precautions:

• Pregnancy category B

• Use with caution in patients with penicillin or cephalosporin allergy (5-10% chance of cross-reactivity)

• Counsel patient to finish all medication to prevent development of resistance

• Inform patient to take at even intervals, preferably around the clock

• Take on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.  Food inhibits absorption

• Parenteral dosage form should not be run in same IV line as other medications

• Inject intravenous injection slowly over a period of 10 minutes

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• Hypersensitivity

• Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

• Vaginitis  

Dosage:

Administered orally (capsules and oral suspension) and injectable

• Oral

  • Adult and children (>40kg):

    • 500mg q4-6h (may increase to 1 gram q4-6h for severe infections)

  • Infants and children (<40kg):

    • 50mg/kg/day in divided doses every 6 hours

  • Neonates (>2kg) (age < 7 days):

    • 75mg/kg/day divided every 8 hours

  • Neonates (>2kg) (age > 7 days):

    • 150mg/kg/day every 6 hours

  • Neonates (<2kg):

    • 50mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours

• Injectable

  • Adult and children (>40kg):

    • 250-500mg IM or IV q4-6h (up to 1 gram q-46h for severe infections)

  • Infants and children (<40kg):

    • 50mg/kg/day IM or IV in equally divided doses every 6 hours

    • severe infections: 100mg/kg/day IM or IV in equally divided doses every 4-6 hours

  • Premature/Neonates:

    • 25mg/kg/day IM or IV in divided doses