Green Pages
Medicines
warning!
dicloxacillin
Dicloxacillin is an antibiotic of the
penicillin family used to treat breast and
skin infections.
Important: Be ready to treat an allergic
reaction (see p. 465).
Side effects: Nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea. May cause yeast infection in
women or diaper rash in children.
Often comes in: capsules of 125, 250,
and 500 mg; liquid with 62.5 mg per
5 ml.
How to use:
For breast infection (see p. 289), give
500 mg by mouth 4 times a day for
7 days.
Other drugs that may work:
erythromycin.
WARNING: Do not give
dicloxacillin to someone who is
allergic to medicines in the
penicillin family.
diphenhydramine
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine
that treats allergic reactions and allergic
shock. It is also used for treating chronic
itching and sleep problems for people
with AIDS.
Side effects: Sleepiness and dryness in
the mouth and nose. May cause nausea
and vomiting. Very rarely causes
excitement rather than sleepiness.
Often comes in: tablets or capsules of
25 or 50 mg; syrup with 12.5 mg per
5 ml; ampules for injection with 10, 30,
or 50 mg in 1 ml.
How to use:
For mild to moderate allergic reaction
(see p. 465), give 25 mg by mouth every
6 hours until signs go away.
For allergic shock (see p. 466), inject
50 mg into muscle. Repeat in 4 hours
if signs do not improve.
Other drugs that may work:
promethazine.
WARNING: Diphenhydramine is
best taken by mouth. Only inject
it for severe allergic reactions
and shock.
Do not use diphenhydramine
with alcohol or tranquilizers. It
makes the effects dangerously
strong.
This medicines is OK to use in
emergencies, but should not be
used regularly in pregnancy or
while breastfeeding.
A Book for Midwives (2010)
479