Flucloxacillin for Impetigo

Yes. Flucloxacillin is the first-choice antibiotic recommended by NICE when impetigo is treated by mouth, as long as you’re not allergic to penicillin. Tablets or capsules can be especially helpful if your impetigo is widespread or a cream hasn’t worked.

Creams are another option for small patches. See Crystacide cream and fusidic acid cream.

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.

Impetigo usually starts as red sores or blisters that quickly burst and leave golden-brown, crusty patches, often around the nose and mouth or on the hands. The sores can be itchy. It can look different on brown and black skin, where the redness may be harder to see.

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 impetigo.

If you think you have impetigo, 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 fast 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 fast UK-wide delivery. Fill out a quick health questionnaire to get started.

Yes. Impetigo spreads easily through touch and shared items. To stop it spreading:

• Stay off work until the sores have dried and crusted over, or for 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment
• Don’t scratch or touch the sores, and wash your hands often
• Don’t share towels, flannels or bedding, and wash them at a high temperature
• Avoid close contact with others, especially babies and people with a weakened immune system

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 impetigo, 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 sores start to dry and heal within a few days. You’re usually no longer contagious 48 hours after starting antibiotics. If your impetigo has not improved after 5 days, seek medical advice.

If you’re allergic to penicillin, flucloxacillin is not suitable for you because it is a type of penicillin. Clarithromycin may be more appropriate. Your prescriber will review your medical history during your consultation.

Learn more about clarithromycin and how it can help.

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

Speak to a GP or NHS 111 if:

• The sores are spreading despite treatment, or are not improving after 5 days
• You have a high temperature or feel unwell
• The skin around the sores becomes red, hot, swollen and painful, which could be cellulitis
• You keep getting impetigo