Treat Impetigo With Flucloxacillin
Learn how Flucloxacillin treats Impetigo, how to use it safely, who it's suitable for, and what results to expect. When clinically appropriate, our trained clinicians can assess your symptoms online and provide treatment without needing a GP appointment.
MEDICAL INFORMATION
Flucloxacillin Key Facts
Who Manufactures Flucloxacillin?
Flucloxacillin is manufactured by various MHRA approved generic manufacturers.
What Form is Flucloxacillin available in?
Flucloxacillin is available as capsules and as an oral suspension.
How do I store Flucloxacillin?
Store Flucloxacillin capsules in the original package, at room temperature, below 25° C, away from excess moisture and heat. Once made up, store Flucloxacillin suspension in the fridge at temperatures between 2 and 8 degrees, as specified by the manufacturer.
What is Flucloxacillin used for?
Flucloxacillin is used for the treatment of widespread non-bullous impetigo under the NHS England commissioned Pharmacy First service.
How does Flucloxacillin work?
Flucloxacillin is a β -lactam antibiotic which has a bactericidal effect upon many Gram-positive organisms including β -lactamase-producing staphylococci and streptococci.
When will I feel better and what should I do if I do not get better?
You should begin to feel better within a few days of starting Flucloxacillin, but remember to finish the full course of antibiotics. If symptoms worsen rapidly or significantly at any time, speak to your Doctor for medical advice.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Flucloxacillin?
Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking Flucloxacillin. However, avoiding alcohol will help you get over your infection faster.
Do I need to take Flucloxacillin with food?
It's best to take Flucloxacillin on an empty stomach. That means taking it at least 1 hour before food, or at least 2 hours after. Capsules should be taken with a full glass of water, to reduce the risk of oesophageal pain.
Who can and cannot take Flucloxacillin?
You may take Flucloxacillin if you meet the inclusion criteria for impetigo for the Pharmacy First service, but may not take Flucloxacillin if you meet the exclusion criteria for impetigo for the Pharmacy First service.
How often do I need to take Flucloxacillin?
You will need to take Flucloxacillin for 5 days. The dose of Flucloxacillin you take will depend on your age.
What are the side effects of Flucloxacillin?
Common side effects of Flucloxacillin include gastrointestinal disturbances. Other less common side effects include nausea, skin rash, hypersensitivity, vomiting and low blood platelet levels.
Are there any Interactions of Flucloxacillin with other drugs?
Flucoxacillin interacts with other drugs such as methotrexate, probenecid, and the Typhoid vaccine. Speak to your healthcare provider before you start taking Flucloxacillin.
Other important information about Flucloxacillin
Take Flucloxacillin at regular intervals and finish the course even if your symptoms improve. Take the capsules or oral solution (or oral suspension) with a glass of water and do not lie down immediately after taking (to reduce the risk of oesophageal pain after taking). If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, do not drive or operate machinery. Seek medical advice in the event of an adverse reaction or if any other new symptoms develop.
Does Flucloxacillin interfere with conception and contraception?
Flucloxacillin does not affect fertility in men or women and does not stop any type of contraception from working, however if Flucloxacillin makes you vomit or have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy.
Can I use Flucloxacillin when breast feeding?
Flucloxacillin should only be administered to a breast-feeding mother when the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks associated with the treatment. Speak to your doctor if you are breastfeeding and are planning to take Flucloxacillin.
Can I use Flucloxacillin if I am pregnant or planning to become pregnant?
Flucloxacillin should only be used in pregnancy when the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks associated with treatment. Speak to your doctor if you are pregnant and are planning to take Flucloxacillin.
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About How Flucloxacillin Treats Impetigo
What is Flucloxacillin and how is it used for impetigo?
Flucloxacillin is a penicillinase-resistant penicillin antibiotic and is the first-line oral antibiotic for treating impetigo, as recommended by NICE. It is particularly effective against Staphylococcus aureus (including penicillinase-producing strains), which is the most common cause of impetigo. Flucloxacillin is available as 250 mg and 500 mg capsules and as an oral solution for children. Through the NHS Pharmacy First service, a pharmacist can assess impetigo and supply flucloxacillin directly without a GP appointment.
What is the dose of Flucloxacillin for impetigo?
Adults and children over 10 years: 500 mg four times daily for 5–7 days. Children aged 2–9 years: 250 mg four times daily. Children aged 1 month–1 year: 62.5–125 mg four times daily (as oral solution). Take flucloxacillin on an empty stomach — at least 30 minutes before food or 2 hours after food — as food significantly reduces absorption. Space doses evenly throughout the day (approximately every 6 hours). Complete the full course.
Why is Flucloxacillin the preferred antibiotic for impetigo?
Flucloxacillin is first-line because it is highly effective against Staphylococcus aureus, including strains that produce penicillinase (an enzyme that destroys standard penicillin). Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of impetigo in the UK. Flucloxacillin has a well-established safety profile, is well-absorbed orally, and achieves good concentrations in the skin. NICE recommends it as the first-choice oral antibiotic for non-bullous impetigo when topical treatment is insufficient.
Can I get Flucloxacillin for impetigo through Pharmacy First?
Yes, the NHS Pharmacy First service enables pharmacists to assess and treat impetigo directly, including supplying flucloxacillin where clinically indicated. The pharmacist will examine the affected skin, assess severity, and determine whether topical treatment alone is sufficient or whether oral flucloxacillin is needed. This free NHS service provides fast, convenient access to treatment.
What are the side effects of Flucloxacillin?
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, and mild stomach upset. Skin rash may occur. An important rare side effect is cholestatic hepatitis (liver inflammation) — this can occur during treatment or up to 2 months after completing the course, and risk increases with age (over 55) and courses longer than 14 days. Allergic reactions including anaphylaxis can occur in penicillin-allergic patients. If you are allergic to penicillin, flucloxacillin must not be used — your pharmacist will prescribe an alternative such as clarithromycin or erythromycin.
Who should not take Flucloxacillin?
Flucloxacillin must not be taken by anyone with a known allergy to penicillin or a previous history of flucloxacillin-associated hepatitis. Caution is advised in patients with severe liver disease. Patients over 55 and those receiving treatment for more than 14 days have an increased risk of hepatic side effects. Always inform the pharmacist of any allergies, liver conditions, or medications you are taking.
When is topical treatment enough, and when do I need oral Flucloxacillin?
Topical treatment (fusidic acid cream or hydrogen peroxide cream) is usually sufficient for localised, non-bullous impetigo affecting a small area. Oral flucloxacillin is recommended when the impetigo is widespread (affecting more than one area), bullous, not responding to topical treatment, or if the patient is systemically unwell. Your Pharmacy First pharmacist will assess the extent and severity to determine the most appropriate treatment.
Experienced a Side Effect?
Report to Yellow Card (UK) or MedWatch (US)
Report to
OUR CUSTOMERS VIEW
What Customers Love About Our Service
We want everyone to be happy and healthy, that’s what keeps us going. Read what some of them have to say about us.
Medicines Experts
Meet Our Medical Team
We are a broad skilled and passionate group of clinicians with experience of operating in health systems in the United Kingdom & United States. Providing excellent care and advice is at the heart of everything we do. You can read more about our medical team by visiting the medical team page or learn more about how we curate content by visiting our editorial process
