Definition

Noun: A semi-synthetic penicillin antibiotic that is resistant to degradation by the enzyme penicillinase (beta-lactamase). It is specifically used to treat infections caused by penicillin-resistant staphylococci bacteria.

Usage

"Oxacillin" is used as a noncount noun to refer to the antibiotic substance itself. It is primarily used in medical, pharmaceutical, and clinical contexts. - The doctor prescribed oxacillin for the staph infection. - Oxacillin is often administered intravenously in hospital settings. - Resistance to oxacillin is a significant concern in healthcare.

Examples

• The laboratory tested the bacterial strain's sensitivity to oxacillin.
• Oxacillin belongs to the same class of drugs as methicillin and nafcillin.
• Treatment with oxacillin was initiated after confirming the pathogen was a resistant staphylococcus.

Advanced Usage

• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): This term describes staphylococcal strains that are resistant not only to methicillin but also to all beta-lactam antibiotics, including oxacillin. Therefore, MRSA infections are not treated with oxacillin.
  • The patient's infection was caused by MRSA, so oxacillin would not be an effective treatment.

Variants and Related Words

• Penicillinase-resistant penicillin: This is the drug class to which oxacillin belongs.
• Anti-staphylococcal penicillin: Another descriptive term for this group of antibiotics, highlighting their target bacteria.

Synonyms

• Antistaphylococcal antibiotic (a broader category)
• Beta-lactam antibiotic (a much broader category)

Notes on Meaning

The core meaning of "oxacillin" is specifically pharmaceutical. It has no other general meanings, idioms, or phrasal verbs. Its use is strictly confined to its identity as a specific antibiotic drug.

Noun

1. a form of penicillin resistant to penicillinase and effective against penicillin-resistant staphylococci