Flucloxacillinis a narrow- spectrum antibiotic. (1)This Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) is used in medicines for treating skin infection, chest infection caused due to pneumonia, and osteomyelitis (bone infection). For children, it is majorly used for ear and chest infection. It has both oral and intravenous modes of administration. (2) It is a semisynthetic isoxazolyl penicillin.

Molecular Formula – C₁₉H₁₇ClFN₃O₅S.

Molecular Weight – 453.9 g/mol.

Which Bacteria Does it Effect?

Unlike other penicillin drugs, Flucloxacillin is a penicillin beta-lactam antibiotic that is used against gram-positive organisms. It ceases bacterial infection and is highly active against beta-lactamase stable Staphylococcus aureus. However, it is inactive against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. (3) (4)

Mechanism of Action

This antibiotic inhibits the last stage of bacterial cell wall synthesis.  It readily binds with penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) inside the cell wall of bacteria. Hence it disintegrates the bacterial cell by rupturing the membranes. This weakens the activity of the bacteria and gives time to the immune system for combating the disease. (5)

 

Dosage

 Flucloxacillin dose is 250 mg to 500mg, which may be lower for children. Patients can take it up to four times a day. Consult a doctor for dosage details.

It is ideal to take this medicine onan empty stomach or after 30-60 minutes of having a meal. Make sure to maintain an even interval between each dose. (6)

Types of Oral Medicines Made Using Flucloxacillin

There are three oral dosage methods,making it easy for all age groups to consume.

• Tablets.
• Capsules.
• Liquid

Flucloxacillin injections are generally only used in the hospital to treat patients that have a severe case.

How To Take Flucloxacillin?

In case, you are taking Flucloxacillin capsules or tablets, do not break or chew. It is advisable to swallow with water or milk or juice.

Liquid medicine is for those with problems in swallowing or for children. Adhering to the exact dose or quantity is important. Hence, it comes with a syringe or spoon to measure the quantity. Kitchen spoons cannot provide the right measurement.

Who Cannot Take This Medicine?

 Patients with kidney problems must not take this medicine. If the patient recently had or is about to take any vaccine then Flucloxacillin usage must be avoided. Also, if the patient has an allergic reaction to drugs in the penicillin group then it is not advisable for them.

 Who Can Take This Drug?

 The doctor prescribes this drug to adults and children who are devoid of the above-mentioned disorders. Pregnant women and nursing mothers can also take this drug.  There is no restriction on alcohol consumption while under the administration of Flucloxacillin. (7)

 

Side Effects

 Common side effects are:

• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhoea.
• Indigestion.
• Bloating.

In case a patient encounters the following serious side effects,then they must consult adoctor immediately.

• Diarrhoea with blood or mucus accompanied by muscle cramps.
• Dark-coloured urine and pale-coloured stool with yellowing of sclera and skin is a symptom of the reaction of the drug on the liver.
• Joints and muscle pain.

Drug Interaction

 If you are taking any of the followings drugs, then inform the doctor before starting Flucloxacillin:

• Methotrexate.
• Warfarin, a blood thinner.
• Other antibiotics.

It is advisable to take medicines on doctor’s advice only. Always share your ailment history in detail with the doctor. Take medicines regularly as prescribed and directed. Maintain health and hygiene to keep diseases at bay.

Disclaimer:

Anzen Exports’ blog posts are based just on our research from cited websites. To be best informed, we advise consulting a doctor about an ingredient or medicine prior to taking it.

Sources:

1. National Library of Medicine
   Website – pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Flucloxacillin
2. NHS
   Website – https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/flucloxacillin/
3. Wikipedia
   Website -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flucloxacillin#:~:text=It%20is%20used%20to%20treat,it%20is%20beta%2Dlactamase%20stable.
4. DermNet NZ
   Website – https://dermnetnz.org/topics/staphylococcal-skin-infection/
5. Drug Bank
   Website – https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00301
6. & 7) NHS
   Website – https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/flucloxacillin/