NAME OF DRUG
cloxacillin sodium

CLASSIFICATION

Antibiotic

ALTERNATE NAME

ORBENIN, TEGOPEN, BACTOPEN

 INDICATIONS

• semisynthetic penicillin for treatment of infections due to susceptible beta-lactamase producing staphylococci and mixed infections of penicillin resistant organisms

 RECONSTITUTION AND STABILITY

• powder is stable at room temperature
• reconstitute with sterile water for injection
• reconstituted solutions should not be stored longer than 24 hours in refridgerator

 COMPATIBILITY

• compatible with commonly used IV solutions
• compatible via Y-site with amikacin, furosemide, heparin, hydrocortisone, magnesium sulphate, meperidine, morphine, potassium chloride
• incompatible with other drugs

 ROUTES OF ADMINISTRATION

• IM - deeply into muscle
• IV direct - inject over 2-4 minutes
• IV intermittent
  • dilute in 50-100 mL and administer over 30-60 minutes
  • doses greater than 1,000 mg should be diluted in 100-250 mL and administered over 60 minutes

 VH & HSC ADMINISTRATION POLICY

E - Direct IV route can be administered by nurses on general nursing units provided a venous accesss has been established, and according to policies and recommendations stated in this manual.

 DOSAGE

Adults:

• 500-1000 mg every 4-6 hours
• Severe infections: 2000 mg every 4 hours

Children:

• 50-100 mg/kg/24 hours in equally divided doses every 4-6 hours. 
• Severe infections: 150-200 mg/kg/24 hours

 POTENTIAL HAZARDS OF PARENTERAL ADMINISTRATION

• hypersensitivity reactions
• thrombophlebitis

 IMPORTANT IMPLICATIONS

• contraindicated in patients with a history of allergic reactions to penicillins
• use with caution in patients with a history of serious allergic reactions to cephalosporins
• possibility of seizures when large doses are administered to elderly patients or to patients with renal impairment
• monitor renal, hepatic, and hematopoetic functions with prolonged usage

Rev. Feb 2002