Distaph (Dicloxacillin Sodium)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Distaph Used For?
Distaph contains dicloxacillin, a penicillin antibiotic that fights bacterial infections by killing the bacteria causing your infection.
Primary Uses
Distaph is used to treat infections in different parts of the body caused by bacteria. It belongs to a group of medicines called penicillins.
How It Works
Distaph works by killing the bacteria that are causing your infection. It will not work against infections caused by viruses, such as colds or flu.
Good to know: There is no evidence that Distaph is addictive.
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How to Take Distaph
Follow all directions given by your doctor and pharmacist carefully. Take Distaph exactly as prescribed to ensure it works effectively.
Dosage Instructions
For most infections, the usual dose for adults and children over 12 years is 250 mg to 500 mg every 6 hours. Swallow the capsules whole with a glass of water. Take Distaph on an empty stomach, 1 to 2 hours before food, as this helps more medicine be absorbed into your body. Take your medicine at about the same time each day for best effect.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then go back to taking your capsules normally. If you miss more than one dose or are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. This may increase the chance of unwanted 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, which may also be bloody
- blood in the urine
- excess protein in the urine
- severe stomach cramps
- yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- pale stools
- kidney problems
- any type of skin rash, itching or hives
- swelling of the face, lips, mouth, throat or other parts of the body
- shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing
Important Warnings
Before taking Distaph, it's important to tell your doctor about your medical history and any allergies you may have.
Who Should Not Take Distaph
Do not take Distaph if you are allergic to dicloxacillin, any other penicillin (like amoxicillin), cephalosporin antibiotics, or any ingredients in the medicine. Do not take if the expiry date has passed or if the packaging shows signs of tampering.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have had allergic reactions to other penicillins or cephalosporins, stomach problems (nausea, vomiting, indigestion), food absorption problems, liver problems, kidney problems, or cystic fibrosis. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose or take special care if you have these conditions.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking Distaph during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, as the medicine can pass into breast milk.
Age-Related Precautions: Distaph is not recommended for newborn infants. Some side effects occur more frequently in patients over 55 years old.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Distaph and affect how it works. Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
- probenecid (used to treat gout)
- warfarin (used to prevent blood clots)
- 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 your capsules in the bottle until it is time to take them. Store below 25°C in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep where young children cannot reach it – a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is recommended.
Overdose Information
If you think you or anyone else has taken too much Distaph, urgent medical attention may be needed. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia telephone 13 11 26) for advice, contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your symptoms of infection do not improve within a few days, or they become worse, tell your doctor. Continue taking Distaph for the full course as prescribed.
No, take Distaph on an empty stomach, 1 to 2 hours before food. Taking it on an empty stomach means more of the medicine is absorbed into your body.
No, there is no evidence that Distaph is addictive.
Do not stop taking Distaph even if you feel better after a few days, unless advised by your doctor. If you stop too soon, your infection may not clear completely and your symptoms may return.
Some side effects occur more frequently in patients over 55 years old. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking Distaph with you if you are in this age group.
If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
No, do not give Distaph to anyone else, even if their symptoms seem similar to yours. The medicine is prescribed specifically for your condition.
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.