Always follow your doctor's instructions about how and when to take flucloxacillin.
Dosage and how to take flucloxacillin
Dosage
The usual dose of flucloxacillin is 250mg to 500mg, taken 4 times a day. For children, the dose may be lower.
Try to space your doses evenly throughout the day. For example, you could take it first thing in the morning (before breakfast), at around midday (before lunch), late in the afternoon (before your evening meal) and at bedtime.
How to take it
It's best to take flucloxacillin on an empty stomach to help improve how much is absorbed. That means taking it at least 60 minutes before a meal or snack, or at least 2 hours after.
To reduce the risk of pain in your food pipe (oesophagus) swallow flucloxacillin capsules whole with a full glass of water (250ml). Do not chew or break capsules. If you are taking liquid flucloxacillin, drink a full glass of water after taking the dose. Do not lie down immediately after taking capsules or liquid.
Liquid flucloxacillin will usually be made up for you or your child by a pharmacist. The medicine will come with a plastic oral syringe or spoon to help you take the right amount.
If you do not have an oral syringe or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon because it will not measure the right amount.
Find out more about giving flucloxacillin to children on the Medicines for Children website.
How long to take it for
Carry on taking flucloxacillin until you've completed the course, even if you feel better. If you stop your treatment early, the infection could come back.
If you do not start feeling better after taking flucloxacillin for 3 to 5 days, or you start to feel worse at any point, tell your doctor.
If you forget to take it
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. If this happens, just leave out the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.
Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.
If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.
If you take too much
Try to take the right number of doses each day, leaving at least 4 hours between doses.
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:
You or your child take more than the recommended dose of flucloxacillin and:
- your child is under 5 years old – even if they have no symptoms
- have stomach pain or you're being sick
- have blood in your pee
- have difficulty peeing or are producing less pee than usual
Call 111 or get help from 111 online. Call 111 for a child under the age of 5 years.
Taking 1 extra dose of flucloxacillin is unlikely to do any harm, but speak to your pharmacist or doctor if you're worried.