Tegopen

Tegopen Prescribing Information

Tegopen is a brand name for the antibiotic drug cloxacillin. Cloxacillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic that is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

Cloxacillin is commonly used to treat infections caused by bacteria that are sensitive to penicillin, particularly Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species. These infections may include skin and soft tissue infections, respiratory tract infections, bone and joint infections, and more.

Uses of Tegopen

Some common uses of Tegopen include:

• Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: Antibiotic can be used to treat skin and soft tissue infections caused by susceptible bacteria, such as boils, abscesses, cellulitis, and impetigo.
• Respiratory Tract Infections: It may be prescribed for respiratory infections like pneumonia and bronchitis when the causative bacteria are susceptible to cloxacillin.
• Bone and Joint Infections: Tegopen is sometimes used to treat bone and joint infections, such as osteomyelitis (bone infection) and septic arthritis (joint infection).
• Endocarditis Prophylaxis: In some cases, Tegopen might be used as prophylaxis to prevent bacterial endocarditis in individuals at risk, especially before certain dental or surgical procedures.

Dosage

The dosage of Tegopen can vary depending on the type and severity of the infection, as well as individual factors such as age, weight, and the patient's overall health. The following are general guidelines for dosing:

Adults:

• For mild to moderate infections: The typical dosage is 250 mg to 500 mg (one to two capsules) every six hours.
• For more severe infections: The dosage can be increased to 1 gram (two capsules) every six hours.

Children:

• The dosage for children is typically based on body weight and the severity of the infection.

Infants:

• Infants may receive lower doses based on their weight and the specific infection being treated. Consult with a pediatrician for proper dosing in infants.

Elderly: In elderly patients, the dosage may be adjusted based on renal (kidney) function.

Duration of Treatment:

• The duration of treatment with Tegopen varies depending on the type of infection. It's crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished.

Prophylaxis: If Tegopen is used for bacterial endocarditis prophylaxis, typically taken about an hour before certain dental or surgical procedures.

Side Effects of Tegopen

Tegopen is generally considered safe and effective when used as prescribed by a healthcare provider. However, like all medications, it can cause side effects in some people. Common side effects may include:

• Gastrointestinal Distress: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain are common gastrointestinal side effects. Taking the medication with food may help alleviate some of these symptoms.
• Skin Reactions: Some individuals may experience skin rashes or itching while taking Tegopen.
• Allergic Reactions: While rare, some people may experience allergic reactions to cloxacillin, which can include hives, itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention.
• Liver Function Abnormalities: In rare cases, cloxacillin can affect liver function, leading to elevated liver enzymes. Symptoms may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) and abdominal pain.
• Blood Disorders: Cloxacillin can occasionally lead to blood-related side effects, such as low white blood cell counts (neutropenia) or low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia). This can increase the risk of infections or bleeding.
• Kidney Issues: Some individuals may experience kidney-related side effects, including changes in urine output or color.
• Clostridium difficile Infection: Like many antibiotics, Tegopen can disrupt the balance of normal bacteria in the gut, which may lead to the overgrowth of Clostridium difficile bacteria and cause a severe intestinal infection known as C. difficile-associated diarrhea.

It's important to note that serious side effects are relatively rare with Tegopen, but they can occur.

Interaction with other drugs

Tegopen can interact with other drugs, potentially affecting their effectiveness or causing adverse reactions. Here are some notable drug interactions:

• Oral Contraceptives: Cloxacillin can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives (birth control pills). This may increase the risk of unintended pregnancy. Consider using alternative forms of contraception while taking Tegopen and for some time after discontinuing it.
• Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners): Cloxacillin may interfere with the anticoagulant effects of drugs like warfarin. This can increase the risk of blood clot formation. Close monitoring of blood clotting times (INR) is necessary if you're taking both medications.
• Methotrexate: The concurrent use of cloxacillin and methotrexate can reduce the elimination of methotrexate from the body, potentially leading to increased methotrexate toxicity. This combination should be avoided or carefully.
• Probenecid: Probenecid can delay the excretion of cloxacillin, leading to higher levels of cloxacillin in the body. This can increase the risk of side effects.
• Other Antibiotics: When used with other antibiotics, especially those with similar mechanisms of action, there may be an increased risk of adverse effects, such as gastrointestinal symptoms or allergic reactions.
• Allopurinol: Allopurinol, used to treat gout, may increase the risk of skin rashes when taken with cloxacillin. Close monitoring is advisable.
• Vitamin K: Cloxacillin can reduce the absorption of vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting. This can affect individuals taking anticoagulants or those with underlying clotting disorders.
• Mycophenolate Mofetil: Cloxacillin may reduce the effectiveness of mycophenolate mofetil, an immunosuppressive medication used in transplant recipients. Close monitoring and potential dose adjustments may be necessary.

What to avoid while on Tegopen

When taking Tegopen, it's important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions and take the medication as prescribed. Additionally, there are some general precautions and things to avoid:

• Alcohol: While Medicine itself doesn't have a known interaction with alcohol, alcohol can weaken your immune system and may interfere with the body's ability to fight infections. It's generally a good idea to limit or avoid alcohol consumption while you are taking antibiotics to allow your body to heal more effectively.
• Grapefruit and Grapefruit Juice: Some medications can interact with grapefruit and grapefruit juice, but there is no specific known interaction between Tegopen and grapefruit.
• Oral Contraceptives: Tegopen can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives (birth control pills). If you are sexually active and using oral contraceptives as your primary form of birth control, consider using an additional method, such as condoms, while taking Tegopen and for some time after discontinuing it.
• Anticoagulants: If you are taking anticoagulant medications (blood thinners) like warfarin, close monitoring of your blood clotting times (INR) is necessary. The combination of Tegopen and anticoagulants can increase the risk of blood clot formation or bleeding complications.
• Probiotics: While not something to avoid, you might consider taking probiotics or eating foods rich in probiotics like yogurt. Antibiotics like Tegopen can disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria in your gut, potentially leading to digestive issues or diarrhea. Probiotics may help maintain a healthy gut flora.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Tegopen is not known to impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if you experience side effects like dizziness, confusion, or other symptoms that affect your alertness or coordination, avoid activities that require full attention until you feel safe to do them.

Contraindications of Tegopen

Tegopen is contraindicated (meaning it should not be used) in certain situations due to potential risks or interactions. Here are some contraindications:

• Allergy or Hypersensitivity to Penicillins: Individuals who have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to penicillin antibiotics should not take Tegopen. This can result in allergic reactions, which can range from mild rashes to severe anaphylactic reactions.
• Allergy or Hypersensitivity to Cloxacillin: Tegopen contains cloxacillin, so individuals who are specifically allergic to cloxacillin should not use this medication.
• Allergy or Hypersensitivity to Beta-lactam Antibiotics: Some individuals may be allergic to a class of antibiotics known as beta-lactams, which includes penicillins and cephalosporins. If there is a known allergy to beta-lactam antibiotics, Tegopen should be avoided.
• Previous Serious Adverse Reactions: If a person has previously experienced a severe or life-threatening reaction to Tegopen or any other penicillin antibiotic, it is contraindicated.
• Severe Liver Disease: Medicine may affect liver function, and in cases of severe liver disease, the risks may outweigh the benefits.
• Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono): Tegopen is not recommended for individuals with infectious mononucleosis (often caused by the Epstein-Barr virus) because it can lead to a rash.
• Porphyria: Tegopen can exacerbate symptoms of porphyria, a group of rare genetic disorders that affect the nervous system and skin. It's contraindicated in individuals with this condition.
• Neonates with Hyperbilirubinemia: Neonates with hyperbilirubinemia (high levels of bilirubin in the blood) should not receive Tegopen, as it can potentially exacerbate this condition.
• Cholestatic Jaundice: Cloxacillin should be avoided in individuals with a history of cholestatic jaundice (a type of liver disease associated with reduced bile flow) or other liver disorders related to previous use of penicillins.

Pregnancy and Tegopen

Pregnant women and those who are planning to become pregnant should exercise caution when considering the use of Tegopen or any other medication. The safety of Tegopen during pregnancy has not been extensively studied, and its use during pregnancy should be carefully weighed against the potential benefits and risks. Here are some considerations regarding pregnancy:

• Risk of Infections: Untreated bacterial infections during pregnancy can pose risks to both the mother and the developing fetus.
• Risk of Allergic Reactions: Pregnant women are not at higher risk of allergic reactions to antibiotics like Tegopen.
• Potential Impact on the Fetus: While Tegopen is generally considered less likely to harm the fetus compared to some other antibiotics, the safety profile for its use during pregnancy is not as well-established as for certain other antibiotics. Limited data suggest that Tegopen is less likely to cross the placenta compared to some other penicillins, which may reduce the risk of fetal exposure.
• Timing of Medication: The timing of antibiotic treatment during pregnancy can be important. Depending on the infection and its severity, your doctor may recommend antibiotics during pregnancy or postpone treatment until after childbirth, especially if the infection is not immediately life-threatening.