About flucloxacillin

Flucloxacillin is a type of penicillin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as öroninfektioner, skin infections, bone infections, and heart and bröstinfektioner. It works by killing the bacteria causing the infection.

Flucloxacillin is also used before some surgical operations to prevent an infection from developing.

Flucloxacillin is available in combination with another antibiotic in a medicine called co-fluampicil. For information on this medicine read our leaflet Co-fluampicil for infection.

The most common side effects of flucloxacillin are:

• Känna sig illamående (illamående).

• Kräkningar.

• Diarré.

• Hudutslag.

You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions. Before starting flucloxacillin it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. (Although flucloxacillin is not known to be harmful to babies, it is still important that you tell your doctor if you are expecting or breastfeeding a baby.)

• If you have problems with the way your liver works.

• If you have kidney problems.

• Om du tar några andra läkemedel. Detta inkluderar alla läkemedel du tar som finns att köpa utan recept, samt växtbaserade och komplementära läkemedel.

• If you have an allergic condition, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine. This is particularly important if you have ever had a bad reaction to any penicillin antibiotic.

• Before you start this antibiotic, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. The leaflet will give you more information about flucloxacillin and a full list of side effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take your dose of flucloxacillin exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is taken four times a day Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how many capsules (or how much liquid medicine) to take for each dose, and this information will be printed on the label of the pack to remind you.

  • Om du har fått flytande medicin för ett barn, läs anvisningarna noggrant för att säkerställa att du mäter upp rätt mängd medicin.

• You should take flucloxacillin 'on an empty stomach', which means you should take it about an hour before a meal, for example midday before lunch or in the morning before breakfast, or wait until two hours afterwards.

  • This is because your body absorbs less flucloxacillin after a meal, which means the medicine is less effective. Space the doses out evenly during the day.

• Swallow the capsules whole - do not chew or open them. Some people find it helps to swallow the capsules with a drink of water.

• Om du glömmer att ta en dos, ta en så snart du kommer ihåg. Försök att ta rätt antal doser varje dag, men ta inte två doser samtidigt för att kompensera.

• Even if you feel your infection has cleared up, keep taking the antibiotic until the course is finished, unless you are told to stop. This is to prevent the infection from coming back.

  • Your doctor will tell you how long your course of treatment will last. If you still feel unwell after finishing the course, go back to see your doctor.

• Vissa människor utvecklar svampinfektion (rodnad och klåda i munnen eller slidan) efter att ha tagit en antibiotikakur. Om du tror att du har svampinfektion, prata med din läkare eller apotekare för råd.

• If you are using oral combined hormonal contraception (the 'pill'), additional contraceptive precautions such as condoms are recommended for a time if you have sickness (vomiting) or diarrhoea which lasts for more than 24 hours. If you need further advice about this, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

• If you need pain relief whilst taking flucloxacillin it is best to speak to your doctor or a pharmacist first. The painkiller paracetamol is not always recommended during treatment with flucloxacillin, especially if you also have problems with the way your kidneys work.

• If you are having an operation or any other medical treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking an antibiotic.

• Flucloxacillin may stop the oral typhoid vaccine from working. If you are having any vaccinations, make sure the person treating you knows that you are taking this antibiotic.

• If you are taking flucloxacillin over an extended period of time, your doctor will want to routinely check on your progress. Try to keep any regular appointments you have booked with your doctor, as you will need to have some blood tests to check that your liver and kidneys are working well.

• Förvara alla läkemedel utom räckhåll och synhåll för barn.

• Store flucloxacillin capsules in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

• Om du har fått flytande medicin, förvara den i kylskåp. Den har blandats av apoteket och håller i sju dagar, så kontrollera utgångsdatumet på flaskan och använd den inte efter detta datum.

Is flucloxacillin good for ear infections?

Flucloxacillin is not usually the first choice for most ear infections. It mainly targets bacteria that cause skin and soft tissue infections, rather than the more common bacteria linked to middle ear infections.

Is flucloxacillin stronger than penicillin?

Flucloxacillin and penicillin are not stronger or weaker versions of each other, but different antibiotics used for different types of infections.

Will flucloxacillin affect my contraception?

Flucloxacillin does not affect most forms of contraception, including the combined pill and the progestogen-only pill. However, if the antibiotic causes vomiting or diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your pill may not be absorbed properly. In that case, follow your pill’s guidance for missed pills and consider using extra protection until you’re well again.

Can I drive on flucloxacillin?

Yes, most people can drive while taking flucloxacillin, as it does not usually cause drowsiness. However, if you feel unwell, dizzy or light-headed from either the medicine or the infection itself, it is safer to avoid driving until you feel better.

Can I drink alcohol on flucloxacillin?

Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking flucloxacillin, as alcohol does not usually interfere with how the medicine works. However, it is best to drink in moderation, as alcohol can make you feel more tired or unwell when you are recovering from an infection

Is there any food or drink I need to avoid when taking flucloxacillin?

No, there are no specific foods or drinks you need to avoid while taking flucloxacillin. However, it is best to take the medicine on an empty stomach, either one hour before or two hours after eating, as food can reduce how well it is absorbed. Drinking plenty of fluids can also help your recovery.