Flucloxacillin

In Aotearoa New Zealand flucloxacillin is available as capsules (250 mg and 500 mg) and liquid, and can be given as an injection in the hospital.

• The dose of flucloxacillin will be different for different people depending on the type of infection.
• The usual dose of flucloxacillin capsules for adults is 500 mg, 4 times a day. Some people may need a higher dose.
• Your doctor will advise you on how long to take flucloxacillin for (usually 5 to 7 days).
• Always take your flucloxacillin exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions. 

• Swallow the capsule with a glass of water: Don't chew them. You can take flucloxacillin with or without food.  If you have nausea (feeling sick), try taking it with food.  
• Timing: Take flucloxacillin at the same times each day. Try to space your doses evenly throughout the day. For example, for 4 times a day dosing take it first thing in the morning, at around midday, late in the afternoon and at bedtime.
• Missed dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is nearly time for your next dose, take the next dose at the right time. Don't take extra doses to make up for a forgotten dose. If you're not sure what to do, ask your healthcare provider.
• Alcohol: You can drink alcohol while taking flucloxacillin but it can increase your risk of side effects such as nausea and vomiting. Avoid heavy drinking or binge drinking.  
• Complete the course: Take the whole course of antibiotics for the number of days your doctor has told you to. Don't stop taking it, even if you feel your infection has cleared up. If you stop your treatment early, your infection could come back. If you still feel unwell after finishing the course, go back to see your doctor.

Like all medicines, flucloxacillin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. If you're concerned about any symptoms you think might be related to your medicine, talk to your healthcare provider. The following information offers some guidance but doesn't include all possible side effects.

Common side effects

Tell your healthcare provider if these side effects bother you.

• Nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting (being sick). Try taking your medicine with food. If you're sick (vomit) less than 30 minutes after having a dose of flucloxacillin, take the same dose again. But, if you're sick and it's more than 30 minutes after having a dose of flucloxacillin, you don't need to take another dose. Wait until the next normal dose. If you're also taking the oral contraceptive pill, let your healthcare provider or pharmacist know.
• Diarrhoea (runny poo). Drink plenty of fluids such as water to avoid dehydration. Tell your healthcare provider if it becomes severe or contains blood. If you have diarrhoea and you’re also taking the oral contraceptive pill, let your healthcare provider or pharmacist know.
• Teeth staining from liquid flucloxacillin. This doesn't last and can be removed by brushing your teeth.

Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice or phone Healthline free on 0800 611 116 if these occur

• Small white patches in your mouth or a white furry tongue (oral thrush).
• Vaginal itching, soreness or discharge (vaginal thrush).
• Signs of problems with your liver such as yellowing of the eyes or skin, stomach pain, dark urine.

Phone 111 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) clinic if these occur

• Signs of an allergic reaction such as itchy skin, and rash, swollen lips or tongue, problems breathing, like a tight chest or shortness of breath.

Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction you think might be a side effect.