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Pediatric Reference

Dicloxacillin Side EffectsComprehensive Pediatric Safety Guide

Dicloxacillin is usually well tolerated but can cause gastrointestinal upset, rash, and rarely hepatic or hematologic complications. Early recognition of allergy is critical.

4 Categories
6 Clinical Sources
Evidence-Based
Back to Dicloxacillin Overview

Essential Information

1

Stop immediately and seek care for hives, facial swelling, wheeze, or severe rash

2

Call for persistent diarrhea, abdominal cramping, or blood in stools

3

Report jaundice, dark urine, or unusual bruising during longer courses

Clinical Overview

Monitor for diarrhea (including C. difficile), signs of hypersensitivity, and hepatic dysfunction during prolonged therapy. Counsel families to complete courses to reduce resistance risk.

Side Effect Categories

4 Systems

Gastrointestinal

2 documented effects

Total Sources: 2

Nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort

Incidence: Common
Onset: Not specified
mild
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Administer with a small snack only if GI upset limits adherence (may reduce absorption). Hydration and antiemetics as needed.

Monitoring Guidelines

Assess severity and ensure adequate hydration.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Diarrhea / C. difficile infection

Incidence: Uncommon
Onset: Not specified
moderate to severe
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Stop dicloxacillin, evaluate for C. difficile if watery or bloody stools with fever occur.

Monitoring Guidelines

Escalate for persistent diarrhea, dehydration, or abdominal pain.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Dermatologic / hypersensitivity

2 documented effects

Total Sources: 2

Maculopapular rash

Incidence: Common
Onset: Not specified
mild
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Continue with clinician guidance if mild and non-progressive; consider antihistamine.

Monitoring Guidelines

Differentiate from serious allergy. Document onset, distribution, and associated symptoms.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Immediate hypersensitivity (urticaria, angioedema, anaphylaxis)

Incidence: Rare
Onset: Not specified
severe
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Stop immediately; administer emergency care (epinephrine, airway support).

Monitoring Guidelines

Educate families on signs and emergency response.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Hepatic

1 documented effect

Total Sources: 1

Cholestatic hepatitis / elevated liver enzymes

Incidence: Rare (typically with antistaphylococcal penicillins)
Onset: Not specified
moderate
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Stop drug; check liver function tests; consider hepatology consult for prolonged jaundice.

Monitoring Guidelines

Educate families about jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, and pruritus.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Hematologic

1 documented effect

Total Sources: 1

Neutropenia / thrombocytopenia

Incidence: Rare
Onset: Not specified
moderate
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Stop therapy and obtain CBC if fever, infections, or easy bruising develop during long courses.

Monitoring Guidelines

Monitor with labs for treatments exceeding 14 days or in high-risk patients.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Parent Communication Guide

Age-Appropriate Explanations

Infants (0-12 months)

For babies taking Dicloxacillin, watch for signs of side effects. This medication is generally well-tolerated in infants when used as directed.

Toddlers (1-3 years)

Let us know about tummy ache, diarrhea, or rash while you take this medicine.

Children (4-12 years)

Tell us if you feel sick to your stomach, have loose stools, or notice a rash.

Adolescents (13+ years)

Stop and call for rash, yellowing eyes, or severe diarrhea. Avoid alcohol or other meds unless approved.

Common Parent Concerns

Q: Loose stools / GI upset

A: Common; encourage fluids. Escalate care for persistent or bloody diarrhea.

When to validate: Immediate evaluation if signs of dehydration or C. difficile appear

Q: Allergic reactions

A: Review history before starting; instruct families on recognizing early allergy signs.

When to validate: Emergency care for hives, facial swelling, or breathing difficulty

Clinical Decision Support

Severity Assessment Framework

Framework to guide continuation vs discontinuation based on adverse effect severity.

Mild
Indicators: Transient nausea, Mild, non-progressive rash
Action: Continue with supportive care and close observation
Moderate
Indicators: Persistent diarrhea, Rise in liver enzymes, Worsening rash
Action: Hold therapy, evaluate clinically, consider alternative agent
Severe
Indicators: Anaphylaxis, Stevens–Johnson syndrome, Watery/bloody diarrhea with fever, Cholestatic jaundice
Action: Discontinue immediately, provide emergency care, switch to alternative

Treatment Decision Guidelines

Immediate Discontinuation

  • Anaphylaxis
  • Severe cutaneous reaction
  • Cholestatic hepatitis
  • C. difficile infection

Consider Alternatives

  • Recurrent moderate GI intolerance
  • Difficulty adhering to q6h schedule

Dose Modification

  • Mild GI upset

Clinical References

Dicloxacillin Sodium Capsules — DailyMedU.S. National Library of Medicine (2025)Label
Skin and Soft Tissue InfectionsAmerican Family Physician (2015)Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Parent and clinician concerns about Dicloxacillin