What is "cloxacillin"

n. A semisynthetic antibiotic in the same class as penicillin.

Cloxacillin is an antibiotic useful for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections. It is semisynthetic and in the same class as penicillin.

Cloxacillin is used against staphylococci that produce beta-lactamase, due to its large R chain, which does not allow the beta-lactamases to bind. This drug has a weaker antibacterial activity than benzylpenicillin, and is devoid of serious toxicity except for allergic reactions.

Cloxacillin was discovered and developed by Beecham. It is sold under a number of trade names, including Cloxapen, Cloxacap, Tegopen and Orbenin. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most important medication needed in a basic health system.