Flucloxacillin
Description
Flucloxacillin is a penicillin-like antibiotic used for treating bacterial infections of the skin, bone, joint, heart, blood, lungs, throat, nose, ear, bladder, etc. caused by susceptible bacteria. It is also be used to prevent infections during major surgical procedures. This medicine is not recommended for treating common cold, flu or other viral infections since it is not effective in treating them.
QUICK LINKS:
Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Flucloxacillin
- Stomach discomfort and pain
- Skin Rash
- Weakness and general discomfort
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
Uses of Flucloxacillin
What is it prescribed for?
- Bacterial infections
Read More
Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time taken by this medicine to show its effect is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking/receiving this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking/receiving this medicine.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to Flucloxacillin or any other antibiotic of the penicillin or cephalosporin group.
Jaundice or hepatic dysfunction
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known history of Flucloxacillin associated jaundice or liver impairment.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking/receiving this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking/receiving this medicine.
General warnings
Liver impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a history of liver diseases due to the increased risk of serious adverse effects. Close monitoring of liver function is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Kidney impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with an impaired kidney function due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Close monitoring of kidney function tests, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
Discontinue the use of this medicine as per the doctor's instructions if severe diarrhea occurs after receiving this medicine. This medicine may cause an imbalance in the microbial flora of the large intestine, decreasing the gut-friendly bacteria and promoting the growth of a bacteria called Clostridium difficile, resulting in severe diarrhea.
Drug-resistance
Usage of this medicine without sufficient proof or suspicion of a bacterial infection should be avoided. Irrational dosing might fail in providing the benefits and even cause toxicity. It may also increase the risk of development of bacteria that are drug resistant.
Hypersensitivity reactions
This medicine may cause serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylactic shock in some patients. This risk is especially high in patients with a history of sensitivity to multiple allergens. If an anaphylactic reaction occurs, the treatment should be discontinued immediately and appropriate corrective measures should be undertaken.
Sodium restricted patients
This medicine contains sodium and therefore it should be used carefully in patients requiring sodium restriction (patients with congestive heart failure, hypertension, fluid retention, etc). Close monitoring of electrolytes levels and vital signs may be necessary for some patients. Appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Missed Dose
Oral: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one.
Injection: Since this medicine is administered by a qualified healthcare professional in the clinical or hospital setting, the likelihood of missing a dose is very low.
Overdose
Oral: Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
Injection: Since this medicine is administered in the hospital or clinical setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of an overdose is very low. However, emergency medical treatment will be initiated by the doctor if an overdose is suspected.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Probenecid
Ethinyl Estradiol
Warfarin
Disease interactions
Colitis
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients having a history of gastrointestinal diseases, particularly colitis, since it may worsen the patient's condition. Report any incidence of severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, blood in stools, etc. to the doctor immediately. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Oral: Take this medicine on an empty stomach. The effectiveness of this medicine may be reduced in the presence of food. Do not consume in larger or smaller amounts than advised. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects. Ensure that the treatment course is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Injection: This medicine should be administered by a qualified healthcare professional in the clinical or hospital setting. Inform the doctor if you have a known allergy to this medicine. Report to the doctor all your current medicines including herbs and supplements as well as all your medical conditions before receiving this medicine. Report any undesired side effects to the doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
This medicine works by interfering with certain processes that help the bacteria to form new cell walls. This helps in stopping the growth and multiplication of bacteria and eventually kills them.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Penicillin Beta-Lactam Antibiotics, Beta-Lactamase Resistant Penicillins
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2018 [cited 10 December 2018]. Available from:
TGA eBS [Internet]. Ebs.tga.gov.au. 2018 [cited 10 December 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. 2018 [cited 10 December 2018]. Available from:
Flucloxacillin - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2019 [cited 4 April 2019]. Available from:
Flucloxacillin 1g Powder for Solution for Injection or Infusion - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (eMC) [Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2019 [cited 4 April 2019]. Available from:
Flucloxacillin 125mg/5ml Oral solution - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (eMC) [Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2019 [cited 4 April 2019]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 4 Apr 2019
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.