The key difference between cloxacillin and flucloxacillin is that cloxacillin has comparatively higher absorption and a faster elimination time, whereas flucloxacillin has a lower absorption and a slower elimination time.
Cloxacillin and flucloxacillin are two important antibiotic medications that are useful in treating many different bacterial infections. They differ from each other according to their performance. The oral absorption rates of cloxacillin and flucloxacillin are 32.9% and 53.7%. In addition, the elimination times of cloxacillin and flucloxacillin are 32 minutes and 46 minutes, respectively.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Cloxacillin
3. What is Flucloxacillin
4. Cloxacillin vs Flucloxacillin in Tabular Form
5. Summary – Cloxacillin vs Flucloxacillin
What is Cloxacillin?
Cloxacillin can be described as an antibiotic important in treating a number of bacterial infections. The infections include cellulitis, pneumonia, impetigo, septic arthritis, and otitis externa. However, this medication is not effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The administration of this drug is done orally and as an injection. The trade name of this compound is Cloxapen.
Figure 01: The Chemical Structure of Cloxacillin Medication
The common side effects of this medication include nausea, diarrhea, and allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis. It can also cause Clostridium difficile diarrhea. Moreover, this medication is not recommended to people who previously had a penicillin allergy. During pregnancy, it appears to be safe to take cloxacillin.
The bioavailability of cloxacillin ranges from 37 – 90%, while the protein binding ability is 95%, and the elimination half-life of this substance ranges from 30 minutes to 1 hour. The chemical formula of this compound is C19H18ClN3O5S. In addition, the molar mass of this compound is 435.88 g/mol. The excretion of cloxacillin occurs through the kidney and biliary.
What is Flucloxacillin?
Flucloxacillin is a medication that is used as an antibiotic useful in treating skin infections, external ear infections, infections of leg ulcers, diabetic foot infections, and infections of bone. We can use this medication together with other medications in treating pneumonia and endocarditis.
Figure 02: The Chemical Formula of Flucloxacillin
Furthermore, we can use flucloxacillin before surgery to prevent Staphylococcus infections, but it is not effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The routes of administration include oral administration and injection into a vein or muscle.
The bioavailability of flucloxacillin is in the range of 50 – 70%, and the metabolism occurs in the liver. Moreover, the elimination half-life of flucloxacillin is in the range of 0.7 – 1 hour. The excretion occurs through the kidney. The chemical formula of this compound is C19H17ClFN3O5S. In addition, the molar mass of this compound is 453.87 g/mol.
What is the Difference Between Cloxacillin and Flucloxacillin?
Cloxacillin and flucloxacillin are two types of antibiotic medications. The key difference between cloxacillin and flucloxacillin is that cloxacillin has comparatively higher absorption and a faster elimination time, whereas flucloxacillin has a lower absorption and a slower elimination time. The oral absorption rates of cloxacillin and flucloxacillin are 32.9% and 53.7%. Also, the elimination times of cloxacillin and flucloxacillin are 32 minutes and 46 minutes, respectively.
The following table summarizes the difference between cloxacillin and flucloxacillin.
Summary – Cloxacillin vs Flucloxacillin
Cloxacillin is an antibiotic important in treating a number of bacterial infections, including cellulitis, pneumonia, impetigo, and septic arthritis. Flucloxacillin is a medication that is used as an antibiotic useful in treating skin infections, external ear infections, infections of leg ulcers, diabetic foot infections, and infections of bone. The key difference between cloxacillin and flucloxacillin is that cloxacillin has comparatively high absorption and a faster elimination time, whereas flucloxacillin has low absorption and a slower elimination time.
Reference:
1. “Flucloxacillin .” NHS Choices, NHS.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Cloxacillin” By Fvasconcellos – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Flucloxacillin” By Fvasconcellos – Own work based on: Flucloxacillin-from-xtal-1980-3D-balls.png. (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
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