FLOXACILLIN Meaning and
Definition
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Floxacillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that belongs to the class of drugs known as penicillins. It is a semisynthetic derivative of the natural penicillin compound and is commonly used to treat bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms.
As an antibiotic, floxacillin exerts its therapeutic effects by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. It achieves this by interfering with the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, ultimately leading to cell death. Floxacillin is particularly effective against Gram-positive bacteria, including Streptococcus species, Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-sensitive strains), and some penicillinase-producing bacteria. It is also useful in treating skin and soft tissue infections, respiratory tract infections, bone and joint infections, and other systemic infections caused by susceptible bacteria.
When administered orally, floxacillin is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, while intravenous administration allows for immediate systemic distribution. The drug is generally well-tolerated, although common side effects may include skin rashes, gastrointestinal disturbances, and occasionally, allergic reactions. Like other penicillins, floxacillin is known to be bactericidal, meaning it kills bacteria directly rather than just inhibiting their growth.
It is crucial to note that the use of floxacillin should be restricted to infections caused by susceptible organisms, and it is essential for clinicians to perform appropriate susceptibility testing before initiating treatment. This ensures that the bacteria causing the infection are indeed susceptible to floxacillin and that the drug will be effective in eliminating the infection.
Common Misspellings for FLOXACILLIN
- tloxacillin
- rloxacillin
- fkoxacillin
- fpoxacillin
- fooxacillin
- flixacillin
- flkxacillin
- fllxacillin
- flpxacillin
- fl0xacillin
- fl9xacillin
- flozacillin
- flocacillin
- flodacillin
- flosacillin
- floxzcillin
- floxscillin
- floxwcillin
- floxqcillin
- floxaxillin
Etymology of FLOXACILLIN
The word "Floxacillin" is derived from two main components: "Flox-" and "-acillin".
The initial part, "Flox-", refers to a family of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones. This component comes from the chemical name of the first fluoroquinolone antibiotic, nalidixic acid, which was discovered in the 1960s. Nalidixic acid served as the prototype for subsequent fluoroquinolone antibiotics.
The second part, "-acillin", is a common suffix found in the names of many penicillin-based antibiotics. It indicates that Floxacillin belongs to the class of drugs known as penicillins.
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