Flucloxacillin

Flucloxacillin is a penicillinase-resistant penicillin antibiotic medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Skin and soft-tissue infections (cellulitis, boils, abscesses)
• Infected wounds, burns, and insect bites
• Impetigo and other staph skin infections
• Bone and joint infections (often with other treatment)
• Some ear, chest, and surgical-wound infections

The dose of Flucloxacillin depends on the infection. A common adult dose is 250-500 mg four times a day for about 7 days, sometimes longer for bone or deep infections as the doctor decides. Take Flucloxacillin on an empty stomach — at least 1 hour before, or 2 hours after, food — with a full glass of water, because food reduces its absorption.

Children's doses are based on body weight and must be set by a doctor. Space the four daily doses evenly, complete the whole course, and do not stop once the skin or wound starts to look better.

Flucloxacillin is usually well tolerated. Possible side effects include:

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
• Indigestion or abdominal discomfort
• Mild skin rash
• Thrush with longer courses

Rarely, flucloxacillin can cause liver problems (sometimes appearing days or weeks after stopping) with yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, and itching. Seek urgent care for serious allergic reactions, jaundice, or severe, persistent diarrhoea.

Flucloxacillin is a prescription-only antibiotic — never self-medicate. Take it only when a registered doctor prescribes it, and never share it with others or buy it over the counter for a skin problem. Always complete the full course, even after the wound or rash looks healed; the infection can reach deeper than it appears, and stopping early lets resistant bacteria survive and return.

Tell your doctor about any penicillin allergy or past liver problems with this medicine. Antibiotic resistance is a serious national crisis in Bangladesh, and using antibiotics like Flucloxacillin without proper advice or for the wrong reasons makes it worse.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you take. Notable interactions with Flucloxacillin include:

• Methotrexate — its toxicity can increase
• Probenecid — raises flucloxacillin levels in the blood
• Warfarin — bleeding tendency may change
• Paracetamol — taken together in high doses long term, a rare blood-acid problem has been reported
• Oral typhoid vaccine may be less effective

Do not take Flucloxacillin if you:

• Are allergic to flucloxacillin, penicillin, or related antibiotics
• Have had jaundice or liver problems caused by flucloxacillin before

Use with caution and tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, or are elderly, as the rare risk of liver effects is higher. Your doctor will decide whether Flucloxacillin is suitable for you.

Flucloxacillin is generally considered acceptable during pregnancy when needed, as penicillins have a long record of use, but take it only on a doctor's advice. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive.

Only tiny amounts pass into breast milk and it is usually regarded as compatible with breastfeeding, though the baby may occasionally have loose stools or thrush. Always mention breastfeeding before starting Flucloxacillin.

Store Flucloxacillin in a cool, dry place below 30°C, away from direct sunlight and moisture, in its original pack. Reconstituted suspension for children should be kept as advised on the label (often refrigerated) and used within the stated time. Keep all forms out of children's reach and do not use after the expiry date.