Flucloxacillin

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

Sandoz Flucloxacillin

Popular combinations:

Macropen

Drug group:

Penicillin antibiotic

Prescription needed?

Yes

What does it do?

Flucloxacillin is a penicillin antibiotic:

• Effective against some staphylococcal infections that are resistant to other penicillins - such as ear infections, pneumonia, impetigo, cellulitis, osteomyelitis, and endocarditis
• Some staphylococci have evolved so that some strains are now resistant to flucloxacillin – methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections (MRSA)

How does it work?

• Certain staphylococci produce enzymes (penicillinases) that neutralize other penicillins making them penicillin-resistant bacteria
• Flucloxacillin is not inactivated by penicillinases

How should it be used?

• Take dose at least 30 minutes before food
• Notify your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin so that an alternative antibiotic can be prescribed

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Adults: 1–2g daily (up to 8–12g daily for endocarditis), taken in 4 divided doses
• Injection: 1–8g daily

How quickly will it start to work?

Within 30 minutes  
                       

How long will the effects last?

4–6 hours       
         

When should I stop using it?

Complete course as prescribed     
       

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Longer courses are only needed for endocarditis/osteomyelitis – you may need regular blood tests to monitor liver and kidney function.

What are the possible side effects?

The following have been reported:

• More common: diarrhoea, nausea
• Less common: abdominal pain, bruising, sore throat, fever
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: rash, itching, breathing difficulties, wheezing, swollen joints, jaundice

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: history of penicillin allergy, liver problems
• Other medicines: Probenecid, oral contraceptives, oral typhoid vaccine, methotrexate
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: No evidence of risk
• Children: Reduced dose necessary
• Over 60: No known problems
• Driving and hazardous work: No known problems
• Alcohol: No known problems