What Are the Most Common Flucloxacillin Side Effects?

Flucloxacillin is a penicillin-based antibiotic that is commonly used to fight bacterial infections and occasionally used to prevent them from occurring in post-surgery patients. Generally, this antibiotic is considered safe for people who are not allergic to penicillin, and Flucloxacillin side effects are few. The most common side effects are reported to include digestive issues, yeast infection, and rash. Less common, but serious, side effects include allergic reactions, jaundice and severe diarrhea.

As of 2011 digestive troubles are one of the most common Flucloxacillin side effects reported. This typically includes mild stomach cramping, nausea with occasional vomiting, and diarrhea. While it is recommended to take Flucloxacillin on an empty stomach, eating a small and bland snack with the antibiotic may help to lessen these side effects. Eating frequent, small meals each day while on this antibiotic may also help to reduce the chances of experiencing these side effects.

Yeast infections also known as thrush is another one of the commonly experienced Flucloxacillin side effects. This is due to the fact that Flucloxacillin may affect the bacterial balance within the body. The infection may be oral or around the genitals. Oral thrush is normally characterized by white spots in the mouth or throat that are usually fuzzy followed with soreness or itching. Vaginal yeast infections are typically characterized by thick off-white discharge and severe vaginal itching. An unusual or yeasty smell may also occur.

A rash on the skin is another Flucloxacillin side effect reported by healthcare professionals. The rash may appear anywhere on the body and may feel irritated, but not necessarily itchy. If they are accompanied with hives and moderate to severe itching, it may imply an allergic reaction. While a rash is not always indicative of an allergic reaction, it is usually recommended that medical advice is sought as soon as possible if a rash or hives do occur.

Other Flucloxacillin side effects such as jaundice, severe diarrhea and an allergic reaction are serious, but uncommon, and it is highly recommended that medical attention is received immediately. The antibiotic may interfere with proper liver function and cause yellowing of the eyes or skin, especially in elderly patients or people who have taken Flucloxacillin for an extended period of time. It may also cause serious digestive issues, including serious intestinal inflammation. Allergic reactions, such as swelling and difficulty breathing, may indicate a possible penicillin allergy that may fatal.

It would help if you took flucloxacillin on an empty stomach. Taking it on an empty stomach will help your body absorb the medicine quickly. It would be best to take it at least one hour before eating or a minimum of two hours after eating. You should swallow the pill with some water. Do not chew the capsule.

If you are prescribed an extended regime of flucloxacillin, it is best to take the dosages simultaneously each day. Taking the dosage at the same time will help your body maximize the impact of the medicine.

If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as possible. However, you shouldn't make up for a forgotten capsule.

Flucloxacillin is safe to take with alcohol, but you should avoid binge drinking. Heavy drinking will increase your chances of suffering from side effects like vomiting, upset stomach, and nausea.

Finally, complete the course of flucloxacillin prescribed to you by your doctor. You should not stop taking it, even if you are feeling better. Doing so could cause your infection to come back.

The typical dosage of flucloxacillin is between 250mg to 500mg. This dosage is typically prescribed four times a day. The number of doses will be smaller for children.

Flucloxacillin works by preventing bacteria from creating new cell walls. This process is known as bacterial cell division. Flucloxacillin does this by binding to a bacterial enzyme known as transpeptidase. 

The binding of the enzyme prevents the bacteria from being able to create new cell walls, which eventually leads to the death of the bacteria.

Unfortunately, flucloxacillin can limit the effectiveness of your birth control. As a result, your contraception may not protect you from getting pregnant. If you are taking birth control and prescribed flucloxacillin, speak to your doctor. Avoiding sexual activity while using flucloxacillin is the best way to avoid pregnancy.

If you are pregnant, it is generally safe to take flucloxacillin. However, as with all medications, you should speak to your doctor before taking flucloxacillin to ensure it is the proper medication for you.

You can take flucloxacillin while breastfeeding, but you should be aware that small amounts of the medication are passed into your breastmilk. Small amounts of flucloxacillin are generally not a problem for most babies.

However, if your baby experiences any of the following symptoms why you are taking flucloxacillin, you should speak to your doctor.

Some people are allergic to antibiotics and can experience severe side effects. If you experience rare side effects, you should speak to your doctor immediately as they could be a sign of something more serious.

If you experience severe side effects, you should call for emergency medical help. These are signs that you are having an allergic reaction to flucloxacillin. Unfortunately, some of these side effects can happen up to two months after you have finished your Flucloxacillin treatment.

The most common side effect of flucloxacillin is diarrhea. You can cure diarrhea by drinking plenty of fluids and eating foods that are easy to digest. If the diarrhea is severe, you should speak to your doctor as they may prescribe you medication to help stop it.

Other side effects include:

If you experience any of these side effects, you should speak to your doctor as they may be able to prescribe you a different medication.

Flucloxacillin is a safe and effective medication, but it is essential to follow the dosage instructions given to you by your doctor. You should also complete the course of flucloxacillin prescribed to you to prevent the infection from returning. If you experience any side effects, speak to your doctor as they may be able to prescribe you a different medication.

Flucloxacillin is a safe and effective medication, but it is essential to follow the dosage instructions given to you by your doctor.

Consumer Medicine Information (medsafe.govt.nz)

Birth control methods | Office on Women's Health (womenshealth.gov)

Bacterial Infections: MedlinePlus