Treat Infected Insect Bites With Flucloxacillin
Learn how Flucloxacillin treats Infected Insect Bites, 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 infected insect bite(s) and sting(s) 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 infected insect bites for the Pharmacy First service, but may not take Flucloxacillin if you meet the exclusion criteria for infected insect bites for the Pharmacy First service.
How often do I need to take Flucloxacillin?
You should take Flucloxacillin for 5 days. Your dose of Flucloxacillin will depend on your age.
What are the side effects of Flucloxacillin?
Side effects of Flucloxacillin include diarrhoea, nausea, skin rash, hypersensitivity, vomiting and low blood platelet levels.
Are there any Interactions of Flucloxacillin with other drugs?
Flucoxacillin interacts with methotrexate, probenecid, and the Typhoid vaccine. Tell your healthcare provider what other medication you are taking 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 with a glass of water and do not lie down immediately after taking, to reduce the risk of oesophageal pain. 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 contraception from working, however if Flucloxacillin makes you vomit or have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive tablets 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. Flucloxacillin is excluded from the Pharmacy First service for the treatment of infected insect bites if you are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant and are under the age of 16.
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 Infected Insect Bites
What is Flucloxacillin and how is it used for infected insect bites?
Flucloxacillin is a penicillinase-resistant penicillin antibiotic and the first-line oral antibiotic for infected insect bites, as recommended by NICE. It is highly effective against Staphylococcus aureus, the most common bacterium causing secondary infection of insect bites. Flucloxacillin is available as 250 mg and 500 mg capsules. Through the NHS Pharmacy First service, a pharmacist can assess infected insect bites and supply flucloxacillin directly.
What is the dose of Flucloxacillin for infected insect bites?
Adults: 500 mg four times daily for 5–7 days. Children: dose varies by age and weight — typically 250 mg four times daily for ages 2–9 years. Take on an empty stomach (30 minutes before food or 2 hours after) for best absorption. Space doses evenly, approximately every 6 hours. Complete the full course.
Can I get Flucloxacillin for an infected insect bite through Pharmacy First?
Yes, the NHS Pharmacy First service allows pharmacists to assess infected insect bites and supply flucloxacillin where clinically appropriate. The pharmacist will examine the bite, assess for signs of spreading infection, and determine whether oral antibiotics are needed. If you are allergic to penicillin, the pharmacist will offer an alternative such as clarithromycin or erythromycin. This is a free NHS service.
What are the side effects of Flucloxacillin?
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, and stomach upset. Rare but important: cholestatic hepatitis can occur during or up to 2 months after treatment — risk increases with age (over 55) and prolonged courses. Allergic reactions can occur in penicillin-allergic patients. Do not take flucloxacillin if you have a penicillin allergy — inform the pharmacist.
When should I seek urgent help for an infected bite?
Seek urgent medical attention if: the redness is spreading rapidly or red streaking appears, the area is very swollen or extremely painful, you develop fever or feel unwell, the infection is near the eyes or on the face, or the infection is not responding to antibiotics after 2–3 days. These signs may indicate cellulitis or deeper infection requiring hospital assessment.
Experienced a Side Effect?
Report to Yellow Card (UK) or MedWatch (US)
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