Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: OXACILLIN SODIUM versus UNIPEN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: OXACILLIN SODIUM versus UNIPEN.
OXACILLIN SODIUM vs UNIPEN
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Oxacillin is a penicillinase-resistant beta-lactam antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), thereby blocking the transpeptidation step in peptidoglycan cross-linking. It is resistant to staphylococcal beta-lactamase.
Unipen (nafcillin) is a penicillinase-resistant penicillin that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), blocking transpeptidation and autolysin inhibition.
1-2 grams IV every 4-6 hours.
500 mg to 2 g orally or intravenously every 4 to 6 hours; maximum 12 g/day IV for serious infections.
None Documented
None Documented
0.3-0.8 hours in adults with normal renal function; prolonged to 1-2 hours in neonates and 2-5 hours in patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl <10 mL/min)
0.5-1 hour in normal renal function; prolonged to 7-10 hours in anuria or severe renal impairment.
Renal (70-80% unchanged by tubular secretion and glomerular filtration); biliary (minor, approximately 10%)
Renal: 70-90% unchanged via tubular secretion and glomerular filtration; biliary: minor (<10%); fecal: minimal.
Category A/B
Category C
Penicillin Antibiotic
Penicillin Antibiotic