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Dycill

Generic name: dicloxacillin

Brand names: Dycill, Dynapen

Used for bronchitis
Last updated November 2, 2026 0 views
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What is Dycill?

Dycill is a type of penicillin antibiotic that helps fight bacteria in your body.

Dycill is used to treat various infections caused by bacteria, including bronchitis, pneumonia, and staphylococcal (or "staph") infections.

Dycill may also be used for other reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

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How should I take Dycill?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take Dycill on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water. To avoid heartburn or stomach irritation, do not take Dycill while you are lying down or getting ready for bed.

While using Dycill, you may need frequent medical tests.

This medicine can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Dycill.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Dycill will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

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Warnings

Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you are using.

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Before taking this medicine

You should not use Dycill if you are allergic to Dycill or to any other penicillin antibiotic, such as:

  • amoxicillin;
  • ampicillin;
  • carbenicillin;
  • oxacillin; or
  • penicillin.

To make sure Dycill is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • asthma;
  • a stomach illness (nausea, vomiting, digestive problems);
  • liver disease;
  • kidney disease;
  • a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
  • a history of diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics; or
  • a history of any type of allergy (especially cephalosporins such as Ceclor, Ceftin, Duricef, Keflex, and others).

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Dycill can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormonal birth control (condom, diaphragm with spermicide) to prevent pregnancy.

Dicloxacillin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

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Dycill side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Dycill may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

  • severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
  • nausea, vomiting;
  • little or no urination;
  • unusual bleeding or bruising;
  • a seizure (convulsions);
  • mouth pain or irritation, black tongue, sore throat; or
  • fever, swollen glands, rash or itching, joint pain, or a general feeling of being unwell.

Common side effects of Dycill may include:

  • heartburn, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
  • blisters or ulcers in your mouth, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing; or
  • abnormal liver function tests.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

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What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may mean you have a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

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What other drugs will affect Dycill?

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are currently taking and any you start or stop using, especially:

  • probenecid;
  • tetracycline;
  • a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven); or
  • any other antibiotic.

This list does not include everything. Other drugs may interact with dicloxacillin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are included in this medication guide.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Common questions about Dycill

What are the best antibiotics for boils?
There is no single best antibiotic for a boil, and many boils do not need one at all. Draining the boil is the main treatment. When an antibiotic is added, the usual choices are cephalexin, dicloxacillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim), doxycycline, or clindamycin. Your provider picks one based on whether MRSA is likely, how sick you are, where the boil is, and your allergies. Continue reading

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Before you take this medicine: the information on this page is general and may not cover your personal circumstances. Read the label supplied with your medicine and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking other medicines or managing a long-term condition.
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Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.