Flucloxacillin for Infected Insect Bites

Yes. Flucloxacillin is the first-choice antibiotic recommended by NICE for infected insect bites, as long as you’re not allergic to penicillin. It works against the bacteria that most commonly cause skin infections.

Complete our online consultation for a clinical assessment by one of our experienced prescribers to find out whether you’re eligible for a prescription to buy flucloxacillin 500mg capsules online.

Most insect bites cause a red, itchy lump that gets better on its own within a few days. You may need antibiotics if the bite becomes infected – for example, if redness and swelling spread, the area becomes hot and more painful, or there is pus. Our prescribers will check your symptoms during your consultation.

An infected bite usually gets worse rather than better after the first couple of days. Signs include:

• Redness or darker skin spreading out from the bite
• The area feeling hot, swollen and more painful
• Pus or yellow fluid coming from the bite
• Swollen glands, or feeling generally unwell

Itching, a small lump and mild redness in the first 48 hours are usually a normal reaction to the bite.

Remove the tick as soon as possible using fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool, then wash the area. See a GP if you develop a circular red rash that spreads, sometimes looking like a bullseye, or flu-like symptoms in the weeks after a tick bite. This could be Lyme disease, which needs a longer course of treatment and is not treated through our service.

You cannot buy flucloxacillin over the counter at a pharmacy as it is a prescription-only medication. This means you must have a prescription from a licensed prescriber to buy flucloxacillin for an infected insect bite.

If you think you have an infected insect bite, you can fill out our simple online questionnaire to start your consultation with one of our UK-registered prescribers. Then, if prescribed, you can buy flucloxacillin 500mg capsules through our online pharmacy with next day UK delivery.

• You can order flucloxacillin 500mg capsules through an online pharmacy after a clinical assessment with a registered prescriber. A prescriber will only prescribe flucloxacillin if it’s clinically appropriate for you and your situation.

Do not buy antibiotics from pharmacies or websites that do not require a consultation with a medical professional.

At My Chemist Plus, you can have a free consultation with a UK-registered, experienced prescriber for flucloxacillin. If prescribed, you can order flucloxacillin online with UK-wide next day delivery. Fill out a quick health questionnaire to get started.

• Always follow your prescriber’s instructions and complete the full course of treatment even if you start feeling better. If you finish your course and still feel unwell, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
• Take one capsule four times a day at evenly spaced times. For instance, one in the morning, one at midday, one in the late afternoon and one at bedtime.
• Take it on an empty stomach – at least 1 hour before food or 2 hours after eating.
• Swallow the capsule whole with a full glass of water.

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s nearly time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not take two capsules at the same time to make up for a forgotten dose.

For adults with an infected insect bite, the usual dose is 500mg four times a day for 5 days – 20 capsules in total. It’s very important you follow your prescriber’s advice and finish the full course.

Many people notice the redness, swelling and pain start to improve within 2 to 3 days. If the redness is still spreading after 2 to 3 days, or you feel worse, seek medical advice.

Wash the bite with soap and water, then hold a cold compress on it for at least 10 minutes to reduce swelling. Raise the area if you can, and try not to scratch it. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help with pain, and an antihistamine can ease itching, if they’re suitable for you.

It can help to draw around the edge of the redness with a pen when you start treatment, so you can see whether it is getting smaller.

If you’re allergic to penicillin, flucloxacillin is not suitable for you because it is a type of penicillin. UK guidance recommends clarithromycin, doxycycline or, if you’re pregnant, erythromycin instead. Your prescriber will review your medical history during your consultation to choose the most suitable option.

Learn more about clarithromycin for skin infections.

Yes, most people can take paracetamol with flucloxacillin for a short time to help with pain or a high temperature. Very rarely, taking the two together can cause a serious build-up of acid in the blood in people who are very unwell, underweight or have severe kidney problems. If any of these apply to you, tell your prescriber.

You can usually take flucloxacillin if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Just let your prescriber know during your consultation so they can offer you the right guidance.

Alcohol does not interact with flucloxacillin. But, it’s a good idea to avoid drinking alcohol while you’re unwell, as it can slow your recovery.

Flucloxacillin should not affect your ability to drive. If you feel unwell, do not drive or operate machinery until you feel better.

Flucloxacillin does not affect the contraceptive pill directly. It also does not affect the emergency contraceptive pill. But, flucloxacillin can cause vomiting or diarrhoea in some people.

If you’re vomiting or have diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, this may prevent your contraceptive pill from working. To find out what to do, read the patient information leaflet that comes with your contraceptive medication, speak to your doctor, or visit the NHS website for guidance.

Tell your prescriber about all medicines you take. In particular, mention:

• Methotrexate
• Warfarin or other blood thinners
• Probenecid, used for gout
• Paracetamol, if you take it regularly

Call 999 or go to A&E if you or someone else has signs of a serious allergic reaction after a bite or sting:

• Difficulty breathing, wheezing or a tight throat
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
• Feeling faint, dizzy or confused

Get urgent advice from a GP or NHS 111 if:

• The redness is spreading quickly, or still spreading after 2 to 3 days of antibiotics
• You have a high temperature, shivers or feel very unwell
• The bite is near your eye, or on your mouth or throat
• You develop a spreading circular rash after a tick bite

These symptoms need prompt assessment rather than waiting for a delivery.