What is Flucloxacillin?

Flucloxacillin is a penicillin antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial skin infections. It is commonly used for infections such as infected insect bites, infected cuts/scratches, infected spots/follicles and mild localised cellulitis.

This product page refers to flucloxacillin supplied on a private prescription following an online consultation.

How does Flucloxacillin work?

Flucloxacillin kills susceptible bacteria by interfering with bacterial cell wall formation. This helps clear the infection and may reduce symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, tenderness and spreading skin inflammation when the infection is caused by bacteria.

What is Flucloxacillin used for on this page?

On this product page, flucloxacillin is used specifically for:

•  Certain bacterial skin infections where an antibiotic is considered appropriate
• Symptoms such as redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, localised pain or mild spreading skin infection when a bacterial cause is suspected

It is not used here for:

• Viral skin rashes
• Fungal skin infections
• Severe or rapidly worsening infection needing urgent face-to-face assessment
• Recurrent or unusual skin infections without further review
• Children

Your prescriber will confirm flucloxacillin is appropriate based on your symptoms, medical history and any other medicines you are using.

Who may be suitable for Flucloxacillin?

You may be suitable if:

•  You have symptoms consistent with a bacterial skin infection and an antibiotic is considered appropriate
•  Your infection appears suitable for oral treatment rather than urgent hospital care
•  You are able to take capsules or tablets several times a day and complete the full course

Your prescriber will consider:

•  How long your symptoms have been present and how severe they are
•  Whether you have fever, spreading redness, discharge or worsening pain
•  Any history of penicillin allergy
•  Any other medicines or health conditions you have

before deciding if flucloxacillin is suitable for you.

Who should not use Flucloxacillin or needs medical advice first?

Do not use without medical advice if you:

• Are allergic to flucloxacillin, penicillin or have previously had a serious reaction to a beta-lactam antibiotic
• Have severe skin infection symptoms such as rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, facial swelling, marked swelling around the eyes, confusion, or signs of serious illness
• Have severe vomiting or are unable to keep tablets down
• Have a history of flucloxacillin-associated jaundice or liver problems linked to this medicine
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding without checking suitability first

Use with caution and seek prescriber advice if you:

•  Have liver problems
•  Have kidney problems
•  Have a history of severe allergies or asthma
•  Are taking methotrexate, warfarin, probenecid or other medicines that may interact
•  Have symptoms that are not clearly due to a bacterial skin infection or have had repeated episodes

How do I take Flucloxacillin?

Your prescriber will confirm the exact directions.

Practical advice:

•  Take it at evenly spaced times through the day
•  Swallow with water
•  It is usually best taken on an empty stomach, for example 30 to 60 minutes before food or at least 2 hours after food, unless your   prescriber advises otherwise
•  Finish the full course unless you are told otherwise by a healthcare professional

If your symptoms get worse, do not improve, or you become more unwell during treatment, seek medical advice.

General self-care advice

• Keep the affected area clean and dry where possible
• Avoid scratching, squeezing or picking the area
• Rest the affected limb if swelling is present
• Simple pain relief such as paracetamol may help if suitable for you
• Seek review if symptoms are severe, prolonged or repeatedly returning

Side effects and when to get help

Common side effects can include nausea, stomach upset and diarrhoea. These are often mild.

Seek medical advice urgently if you develop swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, severe rash, persistent severe diarrhoea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, or signs of a serious allergic reaction after taking the medicine.

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