Distaph (Dicloxacillin Sodium)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Distaph Used For?
Distaph is an antibiotic that belongs to the penicillin family of medicines. It works by killing bacteria that cause infections in your body.
Primary Uses
Distaph is used to treat bacterial infections in different parts of the body. It will not work against viral infections like colds or flu.
How It Works
Distaph contains dicloxacillin, which kills the bacteria causing your infection by disrupting their ability to survive and multiply.
Good to know: There is no evidence that Distaph is addictive.
How to Take Distaph
Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Take Distaph exactly as prescribed to ensure it works effectively against your infection.
Dosage Instructions
For most infections, adults and children over 12 years take 250 mg to 500 mg every 6 hours. Swallow capsules whole with water on an empty stomach, 1 to 2 hours before food. Taking on an empty stomach helps your body absorb more of the medicine. Take at the same time each day for best results.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then continue your normal schedule. If you miss more than one dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose – this may increase your risk of side effects.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- nausea (feeling sick)
- vomiting
- stomach upset
- wind
- loose stools
- oral thrush (white, furry sore tongue and mouth)
- vaginal thrush (sore and itchy vagina, vaginal discharge)
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- watery and severe diarrhea (may be bloody)
- blood in urine
- excess protein in urine
- severe stomach cramps
- yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- pale stools
- kidney problems
- skin rash, itching or hives
- swelling of face, lips, mouth, throat or other body parts
- shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing
Important Warnings
Before taking Distaph, make sure your doctor knows about all your medical conditions and other medications to avoid potentially serious complications.
Who Should Not Take Distaph
Do not take Distaph if you are allergic to dicloxacillin, other penicillins (like amoxicillin), or cephalosporin antibiotics. Do not take if the expiry date has passed or if packaging shows signs of tampering. Not recommended for newborn infants.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have stomach problems (nausea, vomiting, indigestion), food absorption problems, liver problems, kidney problems, or cystic fibrosis. Also mention any allergies to medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits, as Distaph can pass into breast milk.
Elderly Patients: Some side effects occur more frequently in patients over 55 years old. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits with you.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with how Distaph works. Always tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking.
- probenecid (used to treat gout)
- warfarin (blood thinner)
- phenytoin (used to treat epilepsy)
Alcohol & Driving
The source material does not provide specific information about alcohol consumption or driving while taking Distaph.
Storage
Keep capsules in the original bottle until time to take them. Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children – a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground is recommended.
Overdose Information
If you think you or anyone else has taken too much Distaph, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Contact the Poisons Information Centre (Australia: 13 11 26), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your infection symptoms don’t improve within a few days or become worse, contact your doctor. Continue taking Distaph for the full course as prescribed.
No, take Distaph on an empty stomach, 1 to 2 hours before food. This helps your body absorb more of the medicine for better effectiveness.
No, there is no evidence that Distaph is addictive.
Don’t stop taking Distaph even if you feel better after a few days, unless your doctor advises you to. Stopping too soon may mean your infection doesn’t clear completely and symptoms may return.
Contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you get severe diarrhea, even if it occurs several weeks after stopping Distaph. Don’t take any medicine to stop diarrhea without checking with your doctor first.
No, never give Distaph to anyone else, even if their symptoms seem similar to yours. Each person needs their own prescription based on their specific condition.
Contact your doctor immediately if you develop yellow discoloration of skin or eyes, or if your stools become pale and you feel unwell. These may be signs of a serious liver problem requiring urgent medical care.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.