Flucloxacillin for Cellulitis

Yes. Flucloxacillin is the first-choice antibiotic recommended by NICE for cellulitis, 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.

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the deeper layers of the skin. The affected area becomes red or darker than usual, hot, swollen and painful, and the redness spreads. It often affects the lower legs, but can happen anywhere. It usually starts when bacteria get in through a break in the skin, such as a cut, graze, bite or cracked skin.

No. Cellulitis is not usually passed from person to person, because the infection is in the deeper layers of the skin.

Yes. Flucloxacillin can be used for infected cuts, grazes and wounds when an antibiotic is needed. Our prescribers will assess your symptoms during your consultation.

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 cellulitis.

If you think you have cellulitis, 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 cellulitis, 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.

Raise the affected area, for example on a pillow, to reduce swelling. Drink plenty of fluids, and take paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain 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. The redness may spread slightly in the first day or two before it starts to improve.

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 have a skin infection and you:

• Feel very unwell, confused or very drowsy
• Have a high temperature, shivers or a fast heartbeat
• Have redness spreading very quickly, or skin that is very painful, blistering or turning dark
• Have swelling around your eye or problems with your vision

Get urgent advice from a GP or NHS 111 if the redness is still spreading after 2 to 3 days of antibiotics. These symptoms need prompt assessment rather than waiting for a delivery.