Flucloxacillin: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Functions & Usage

What is Flucloxacillin used for?

Flucloxacillin is a drug to treat certain types of bacterial infections and to prevent bacterial infections that occur during major surgery.

These drugs include antibiotics known as penicillins.

This medication is used to treat certain types of infections caused by gram-positive bacteria and is effective against types of bacteria that are resistant to many penicillins, for example staphylococcus and streptococcal infections, bacteria that produce beta-lactamases or penicillinases.

In general this drug is used to treat ear, nose, and throat infections, blood, bones and joints, chest, intestines, heart, kidneys and skin, and to treat meningitis and urinary tract infections caused by gram-positive bacteria. This drug is also used as a preventive therapy, to prevent the risk of infection that may occur during major surgery, especially during cardiac surgery or orthopedic surgery.

The benefits of this drug are to control and stop infections caused by gram-positive bacteria. This medication can also prevent infections that occur during surgery and improve recovery after your surgery.

How do you use the drug Flucloxacillin?

Take this medication usually four times a day, half to one hour before meals. For other forms of use, for example, IV and IM, the drug will be prepared and administered by a doctor or other healthcare professional.

Use this medication for the duration of the prescription to get its benefits.

Remember to use it at the same time every day - unless specifically directed differently by your doctor.

It may take the entire duration of prescription use before the full benefits of this medication can be felt. Do not stop treatment early because some bacteria can survive and cause the infection to return.

Certain medical conditions may require different dosage instructions as directed by your doctor.

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How do I store Flucloxacillin?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be considered before using the drug Flucloxacillin?

Before using flucloxacillin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this drug. or other penicillin; or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: hypersensitivity to penicillin.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of any of the following conditions: liver disease, serious underlying disease.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about the use of this medication.

Is the drug Flucloxacillin safe for pregnant and lactating women?

Pregnancy:

Flucloxacillin can be used during pregnancy. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any doubts or questions about this.

It is better to limit the use of drugs during pregnancy whenever possible. However, your doctor may decide that the benefits outweigh the risks in individual circumstances and after careful assessment of your health situation.

Breastfeeding:

Flucloxacillin can be used while you are breastfeeding. However, the amount of drug that passes into the milk and any hypersensitivity reactions that occur must be considered in breastfed babies.

It is better to limit the use of drugs during breastfeeding whenever possible. However, your doctor may decide that the benefits outweigh the risks in individual circumstances and after careful assessment of your health situation.

Side effects

What are the possible side effects of Flucloxacillin?

Side effects include:

Mild gastrointestinal disturbances (diarrhea)
Skin rash
Urticaria
Heart problem
Joint pain
Muscle ache
Fever

If any of these symptoms persist or you think they are getting worse then inform your doctor or pharmacist.

Tell your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Allergic reaction (hypersensitivity). A serious and fatal hypersensitivity reaction is known as anaphylaxis. These side effects can occur but are very rare.

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Interactions

What drugs can interfere with the drug Flucloxacillin?

This medicine should not be used with the following drugs because very serious interactions that could be fatal:

Probenecid
Blood thinners (warfarin)
Methotrexate
Sulfinpyrazone
Oral typhoid vaccine
Oral contraceptives

This information does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using flucloxacillin, tell your doctor or pharmacist all the products you use.

Can certain foods and drinks interfere with the action of the drug Flucloxacillin?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interfere with the performance of the drug Flucloxacillin?

The presence of other health problems in your body may affect the use of this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems .:

Liver disease
Kidney problems
Patients who are being restricted in their sodium intake
Patients aged 50 years or older
Patients with serious underlying disease.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for a doctor's prescription. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.