Indications: infections due to penicillinase-producing staphylococci causing respiratory tract, skin, bone & joint, urinary tract infections.

Caution history of allergy; false-positive urinary glucose (if tested for reducing substances); renal impairment.

Contra-indications: penicillin hypersensitivity.

Side Effects: hypersensitivity reactions including urticaria, fever, joint pains, rashes, angioedema, anaphylaxis, serum sickness-like reaction; rarely CNS toxicity including convulsions (especially with high doses or in severe renal impairment), interstitial nephritis, haemolytic anaemia, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, and coagulation disorders; also reported diarrhoea (including antibiotic-associated colitis)

Dose: By mouth, 250–500 mg every 6 hours, at least 30 minutes before food; child under 2 years quarter adult dose; 2–10 years half adult dose.

By intramuscular injection, 250–500 mg every 6 hours; child under 2 years quarter adult dose; 2–10 years half adult dose.

By slow intravenous injection or by intravenous infusion, 0.25–2 g every 6 hours; child under 2 years quarter adult dose; 2–10 years half adult dose.

Endocarditis (in combination with another antibacterial, body-weight under 85 kg) 8 g daily in 4 divided doses; body-weight over 85 kg, 12 g daily in 6 divided doses Osteomyelitis, up to 8 g daily in 3–4 divided doses.