What is Flucloxacillin 500 mg?

Flucloxacillin 500 mg is a penicillin antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial skin infections. It may be used for impetigo when an oral antibiotic is considered appropriate, particularly if the infection is more widespread or if a topical treatment is not suitable.

This product page refers to flucloxacillin 500 mg capsules 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 crusting, redness, soreness and spreading skin inflammation when impetigo is caused by bacteria.

What is Flucloxacillin 500 mg used for on this page?

On this product page, flucloxacillin 500 mg is used specifically for:

– Impetigo where an oral antibiotic is considered appropriate

– More widespread non-bullous impetigo

– Situations where a topical treatment is not suitable

It is not used here for:

– Minor localised impetigo where a topical treatment is more appropriate

– Viral skin rashes

– Fungal skin infections

– Severe or rapidly worsening skin infection needing urgent face-to-face assessment

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 500 mg?

You may be suitable if:

– You have impetigo and an oral antibiotic is considered appropriate

– The infection is more widespread or not suitable for a topical treatment alone

– You are able to take capsules 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 the rash is spreading, crusted, blistering or causing increasing discomfort

– Whether you have fever or feel unwell

– 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 500 mg 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 capsules 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 impetigo or have had repeated episodes

How do I take Flucloxacillin 500 mg?

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, picking or touching the affected skin

– Do not share towels, flannels, pillowcases or other personal items

– Wash hands regularly, especially after touching the affected area

– Wash pillowcases, face cloths and towels frequently while the infection is active

– Stay away from work or close-contact settings if advised until treatment has started and lesions are covered or improving

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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