Flucloxacillin

Question 1

Class

Answer 1

Penicillins

Question 2

Active

Answer 2

Flucloxacillin

Question 3

Indications

Answer 3

Staphylococcal skin infections including: folliculitis, boils, carbuncles, bullous impetigo, mastitis, crush injuries, stab wounds, infected scabies

Pneumonia

Osteomyelitis, septic arthritis

Septicaemia

Empirical treatment for endocarditis

Surgical prophylaxis

Question 4

Dosage range

Answer 4

Oral, 250–500 mg every 6 hours.

Maximum 4 g daily.

IV, 1–2 g every 6 hours. Maximum 12 g daily, eg endocarditis, staphylococcal pneumonia.

Question 5

SE

Answer 5

transient increases in liver enzymes and bilirubin

Common (>1%) from penicillin:

• diarrhoea, nausea, pain and inflammation at injection site (less common with benzylpenicillin)
• superinfection (including candidiasis) especially during prolonged treatment with broad-spectrum penicillins
• allergy

Question 6

Counselling

Answer 6

This medicine is absorbed best if taken on an empty stomach at least half an hour before food or 2 hours after food.

Question 7

Monitoring

Answer 7

• monitor hepatic function if treatment continues for >2 weeks, especially if there are other risk factors
• complete blood count and renal and hepatic function during prolonged high-dose treatment (>10 days)