DICLOXACILLIN Meaning and
Definition
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Dicloxacillin is an antibiotic medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as penicillin antibiotics. It is specifically a narrow-spectrum penicillinase-resistant antibiotic, which means it is effective against bacteria that produce an enzyme known as penicillinase, often rendering other penicillin antibiotics ineffective against them.
Dicloxacillin works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and preventing them from forming a protective cell wall. It targets and kills certain strains of bacteria by interfering with the synthesis of their peptidoglycan layer, a crucial component of their cell walls. This disruption weakens the bacterial cell walls, leading to cell death.
Primarily used to treat bacterial infections, dicloxacillin is particularly effective against gram-positive bacteria, including streptococci and staphylococci species. It is commonly prescribed to combat skin and soft tissue infections, such as impetigo, cellulitis, and abscesses, as well as respiratory tract infections like pneumonia and respiratory tract infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
Dicloxacillin is usually administered orally and is available as capsules or powder for oral suspension. It is important to take this medication as prescribed, complete the full course of treatment, and not to skip or stop taking it prematurely, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.
As with any medication, dicloxacillin may cause side effects, including gastrointestinal disturbances, skin rashes, allergic reactions, and liver toxicity. It may also interact with certain medications, so it is important to inform healthcare providers of any other medications or supplements being taken concurrently.
Common Misspellings for DICLOXACILLIN
- sicloxacillin
- xicloxacillin
- cicloxacillin
- ficloxacillin
- ricloxacillin
- eicloxacillin
- ducloxacillin
- djcloxacillin
- dkcloxacillin
- docloxacillin
- d9cloxacillin
- d8cloxacillin
- dixloxacillin
- divloxacillin
- difloxacillin
- didloxacillin
- dickoxacillin
- dicpoxacillin
- dicooxacillin
Etymology of DICLOXACILLIN
The word "dicloxacillin" is derived from combining several components:
1. "Diclo-" is derived from "dichloro", which refers to the presence of two chlorine atoms in the chemical compound.
2. "Xa-" represents the chemical element "Xanthogenate", which is a sulfur-containing group.
3. "-cillin" is derived from the generic term "penicillin", which refers to a type of antibiotic drug.
Thus, the term "dicloxacillin" combines the concepts of two chloro groups, a xanthogenate group, and the fundamental structure of a penicillin antibiotic.
