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oxacillin

Generic
Used for Bacterial Infection
Used for Bacterial Infection

Oxacillin is an antibiotic that treats a wide range of bacterial infections caused by staphylococci bacteria, including skin, wound, and bone infections. It's typically given as an injection in the veins or the muscle. This antibiotic can be used in children and adults.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on June 10, 2022
BasicsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsAlternativesPricesMedicare
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What is Oxacillin?

What is Oxacillin used for?

Infections caused by Staphylococcus bacteria in different parts of the body, including:

  • Skin

  • Wound

  • Heart

  • Bones

How Oxacillin works

Are you looking for information on amoxicillin, penicillin, or dicloxacillin instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsNo brand available
Drug ClassAntibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Pros and cons of Oxacillin

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Cons

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Pharmacist tips for Oxacillin

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faqs

Frequently asked questions about Oxacillin

What is oxacillin used for?
Oxacillin is used to treat a variety of infections in the body caused by a family of bacteria called staphylococci. These bacteria commonly cause skin or wound infections. But they can also cause infections in other parts of your body, such as your bones and the heart. Your provider will decide whether oxacillin is a good choice for your infection.
How does oxacillin work?
Oxacillin is an antibiotic. It kills bacteria by preventing them from making a protective covering around themselves.
How is oxacillin given?
Oxacillin can be given as an injection through the veins (IV) or into the muscle.
How much oxacillin will I receive and for how long?
Your dose of oxacillin will depend on your body weight, the location of your infection, and how serious your infection is. Typically, you'll receive oxacillin every 4 to 6 hours. You'll likely need to keep receiving this antibiotic until at least 2 days after your infection and symptoms are gone.
What are the possible side effects of oxacillin?
Oxacillin doesn't cause too many side effects. Some side effects you might experience after receiving this medication include allergic reactions (e.g., swelling, itching, hives), kidney problems (e.g., fever, rash, difficulty making urine), and stomach problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea).
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alternatives

What are alternatives to Oxacillin?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Oxacillin. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Oxacillin
Used for:

Infections caused by Staphylococcus bacteria in different parts of the body, including:

  • Skin

  • Wound

  • Heart

  • Bones

View Prices
Cefazolin (Ancef)
Used for:

  • Respiratory tract infections

  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

  • Skin infections

  • Liver and gallbladder infections

  • Bone and joint infections

  • Genital infections

  • Bloodstream infections

  • Heart infections

  • Prevention of infection from surgery

View Prices
Dicloxacillin
Used for:
$33.10 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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