What is Flucloxacillin?
Flucloxacillin is an antibiotic, which is used to treat skin and wound infections, bone infections, and ear infections in children. The antibiotic comes in capsule form, or as a liquid to be swallowed. Flucloxacillin is only available on prescription, so to purchase this item, you must have a prescription.
When will you start to feel better?
Once you start taking Flucloxacillin, you should state to feel better within a few days. However, make sure to continue taking the antibiotics until you finish your prescription. You should contact your doctor if you do not feel any better after taking flucloxacillin for 3 days. You should also inform them if you begin to feel worse at any point.
How should Flucloxacillin be taken?
Flucloxacillin should be taken on an empty stomach, so you should take it at least 30 to 60 minutes before a meal, or at least 2 hours after food. Swallow the capsule with water, do not chew or break the capsule. You can drink alcohol whilst taking this antibiotic, and you will not need to avoid any food or drinks whilst taking this medicine, but make sure to take it on an empty stomach.
The usual dosage is between 250mg to 500mg, to be taken 4 times a day. For children, the dose can be lowered. You should try to spread out the doses throughout the day, e.g., before breakfast, before lunch, before tea, and at bedtime. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next dose. If this happens, leave out the missed dose and continue as normal. Never take 2 doses at the same time.
You should take this medicine until you have finished all of your prescription, even if you begin to feel better. Failure to do so, could cause your symptoms to come back, and antibiotic resistance.
Who can take Flucloxacillin?
It can be taken by adults and children. Pregnant or breastfeeding women can also take flucloxacillin.
Make sure to check that you are safe to take flucloxacillin by informing your doctor of any allergies, including allergic reactions to penicillin, flucloxacillin, or any other medicine. Also inform your doctor of any liver or kidney problems, and any vaccines you have had or are due to have.
What are the side effects of Flucloxacillin?
The most common side effects are feeling sick (nausea) and diarrhoea. Other common side effects include being sick, bloating and indigestion. For the full list of side effects, you should read the leaflet included with your antibiotics, and discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Serious side effects are rare, but you should call your doctor or contact 111 immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Diarrhoea that contains blood or mucus,
- The whites of your eyes or skin turn yellow,
- Bruising or discoloured skin,
- Joint or muscle pain that occurs after 2 days of taking this medicine.
Will Flucloxacillin affect contraception?
Flucloxacillin will not stop any type of contraception from working, including emergency contraception. However, if it makes you sick, or you experience severe diarrhoea, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy. You should check your pill packet for more information on what to do.
Will Flucloxacillin cause thrush?
Some people may get a fungal infection called thrush after taking a course of antibiotics. If you think you may have thrush, you should contact your doctor.
How to buy Flucloxacillin online:
You can purchase Flucloxacillin at Refine Pharma if you have a prescription, as this is a prescription only product. The boxes come in capsules of 28, and you can order the doses 250mg and 500mg.
