From the Guidelines
The recommended dose of cloxacillin is 50 mg/kg/day divided into 4 doses for children, as stated in the most recent and highest quality study [1@]. For adults, the typical dose is not explicitly stated in the provided evidence, but based on the available information, a typical adult dose is likely to be around 500 mg orally every 6 hours. It's essential to note that the dose may vary depending on the infection being treated and the severity of the infection.
- In children, the dose is 50 mg/kg/day divided into 4 doses, as recommended for conditions such as mastoiditis, osteomyelitis, and pneumonia [1@].
- The treatment duration is generally 7-14 days, depending on the type and severity of infection.
- Cloxacillin should be taken on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, to maximize absorption.
- It's crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to prevent antibiotic resistance.
- Cloxacillin is a penicillinase-resistant penicillin, effective against penicillinase-producing staphylococci, and is commonly used for skin and soft tissue infections, as well as bone and joint infections caused by susceptible organisms.
- Patients should be aware of potential side effects, including gastrointestinal disturbances and allergic reactions, and those with a history of penicillin allergy should inform their healthcare provider before taking cloxacillin.
From the FDA Drug Label
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The penicillinase-resistant penicillins are available for oral administration and for intramuscular and intravenous injection. ... RECOMMENDED DOSAGES FOR DICLOXACILLIN SODIUM, USP IN MILD TO MODERATE AND SEVERE INFECTIONS ... The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Recommended Dose of Cloxacillin
The recommended dose of cloxacillin can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the patient's age.
- According to the study 1, dicloxacillin, a cloxacillin ester, was administered at a daily dose of 12.5-25 mg/kg, depending on the severity of the infection, in four divided doses for seven days.
- The study 2 suggests that dicloxacillin 250 mg every 6 hours (q6h) and 500 mg q6h dosing regimens may be recommended for clinical applications, especially for community-onset infections.
- Another study 3 used dicloxacillin as 250 mg four times daily (qid) for seven days.
- The study 4 used cloxacillin as 500 mg four times daily for 7 days.
Factors Affecting Dosage
The dosage of cloxacillin may be influenced by factors such as:
- Severity of the infection
- Patient's age
- Type of infection (e.g. skin and skin-structure infections)
- Presence of resistant bacteria
Note: The provided studies do not give a direct answer to the question of the recommended dose of cloxacillin, but rather provide information on the dosages used in various studies.