Cellulitis and flucloxacillin: what to know

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of deeper skin layers. A clinician chooses an antibiotic after considering the affected area, severity, allergies, other illnesses and whether a different process could be causing the symptoms. Flucloxacillin is not suitable for every person or every skin problem, and it will not treat viral or fungal causes.

Tell the prescriber about a previous reaction to penicillin or related antibiotics, kidney or liver problems, pregnancy, and other medicines. Athlete's Foot may need separate antifungal care if cracks between the toes helped bacteria enter.

Follow the label for timing, amount and duration; do not change the plan because the skin looks better. If you miss a dose, follow the medication instructions or ask a pharmacist rather than doubling up. Keep the area clean, avoid scratching, and monitor whether redness, warmth, pain or swelling is spreading. Do not share capsules or use an old course.

Get urgent help for facial or throat swelling, wheezing, trouble breathing, blistering, widespread rash, or collapse after a dose. Contact a clinician promptly if symptoms worsen, fever develops, vomiting prevents doses, or diarrhoea is severe or persistent. Confusion, faintness, extreme weakness or rapid deterioration requires emergency care because serious infection, including Sepsis, can progress quickly.

Ask why flucloxacillin was selected, how to take it in relation to food, and when improvement should begin. Confirm which side effects need action, whether your allergies change the options, and what to do if the redness spreads while you are taking it.