- Approval Id
- 11e89c4c0f877164
- Drug Approval Emc Name
- Flucloxacillin 500 mg capsules, hard
- Drug Name
- Flucloxacillin 500 mg capsules, hard
- Company Name
- Brown & Burk UK Ltd
- Company Address
- Brown & Burk UK Limited, Micro House, Bury Street, Ruislip, HA4 7TL, UK
- Company Website
- //www.bbukltd.com
- Company Telephone
- +44 (0)203 384 7188
- Company Medical Info Direct Line
- +44 (0)203 384 7188
- Company Medical Info Email
- pv@bbukltd.com
- Company Customer Care Direct Line
- +44 (0)203 384 7188
- Company Medical Info Fax
- +44 (0)208 588 5411
- Company Stock Availability
- +44 (0)203 384 7188
- Atc Code
- J01CF05
- Legal Category
- Prescription only medicine
- Authorisation Holder
- Brown & Burk UK Ltd
5 Marryat Close
Hounslow West
Middlesex
TW4 5DQ
United Kingdom
- Authorisation Number
- PL 25298/0235
- Authorisation Date
- 19/06/2025
- Instruction Authorisation Holder
- Brown & Burk UK Ltd
5 Marryat Close
Hounslow West
Middlesex
TW4 5DQ
United Kingdom
- Instruction Authorisation Number
- PL 25298/0235
- Instruction Authorisation Date
- 19/06/2025
- Instruction Composition
- Each capsule contains flucloxacillin sodium equivalent to 500 mg of flucloxacillin.
Excipient with known effect: Each capsule contains approximately 46.5 mg sodium per gram.
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
- Instruction Dosage Form
- Capsule, hard
Hard gelatine capsule, Size “0” Blue/Blue capsule with printing “fluc/500” on cap and body inwhite ink containing white to off white granular powder.
- Instruction Clinical Particulars
- 4.1 Therapeutic indications
Flucloxacillin capsules is indicated for the treatment of infections due to sensitive Gram-positive organisms, including β-lactamase producing staphylococci and streptococci. Typical indications include:
| | |
| --- | --- |
| \*\*\*Skin and soft tissue infections:\*\*\* | |
| Boils Abscesses Carbuncles Furunculosis | Cellulitis Infected skin conditions e.g. ulcer, eczema, and acne Infected wounds | Infected burns Protection for skin grafts Impetigo |
| \*\*\*Respiratory tract infections:\*\*\* | |
| Pneumonia Sinusitis Tonsillitis | Lung abscess Pharyngitis Quinsy | Empyema Otitis media and externa |
| \*\*\*Other infections caused by flucloxacillin-sensitive organisms:\*\*\* | |
| Osteomyelitis Enteritis Endocarditis | Urinary tract infection Meningitis Septicaemia | |
Flucloxacillin capsules is also indicated for use as a prophylactic agent during major surgical procedures when appropriate; for example cardiothoracic and orthopaedic surgery.
Parenteral usage is indicated where oral dosage is inappropriate.
Consideration should be given to official local guidance (e.g. national recommendations) on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents.
Susceptibility of the causative organism to the treatment should be tested (if possible), although therapy may be initiated before the results are available.4.2 Posology and method of administration
\*\*Posology\*\*
The dosage depends on the age, weight and renal function of the patient, as well as the severity of the infection.
\*Adults (including elderly patients)\*
\*Oral\* - 250 mg four times a day.
In serious infections, the dosage may be doubled.
Osteomyelitis, endocarditis - Up to 8 g daily, in divided doses six to eight hourly.
Surgical prophylaxis - 1 to 2 g IV at induction of anaesthesia followed by 500 mg six hourly IV, IM or orally for up to 72 hours.
\*Paediatric population\*
2-10 years: 125 mg four times daily.
Under 2 years: 62.5mg four times daily.
Premature infants, neonates, sucklings and infants
Other pharmaceutical forms/strengths may be more appropriate for administration to this population.
Abnormal renal function:
In common with other penicillins, Flucloxacillin usage in patients with renal impairment does not usually require dosage reduction. However, in the presence of severe renal failure (creatinine clearance < 10 ml/min) a reduction in dose or an extension of dose interval should be considered. Flucloxacillin is not significantly removed by dialysis and hence no supplementary dosages need to be administered either during, or at the end of the dialysis period. The maximum recommended dose in adults is 1 g every 8 to 12 hours.
\*Hepatic impairment\*
Dose reduction in patients with reduced hepatic function is not necessary.
\*\*Method of administration\*\*
Oral: This medicine should be taken on an empty stomach. This means an hour before food or two hours after food.
Flucloxacillin capsules should be taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
The capsules should be taken with a full glass of water (250 ml), to reduce the risk of oesophageal pain (see section 4.8).
Patients should not lay down immediately after Flucloxacillin intake.4.3 Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance, to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1, or to β-lactam antibiotics (e.g. penicillins, cephalosporins). Flucloxacillin is contra-indicated in patients with a previous history of flucloxacillin associated jaundice/hepatic dysfunction.4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
The occurrence at the treatment initiation of a feverish generalised erythema associated with pustula may be a symptom of acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) (see section 4.8). In case of AGEP diagnosis, flucloxacillin should be discontinued and any subsequent administration of flucloxacillin contra-indicated.
The use of flucloxacillin (like other penicillins) in patients with renal impairment does not usually require dosage reduction. In the presence of severe renal failure (creatinine clearance less than 10ml/min), however, a reduction in dose or an extension of dose interval should be considered because of the risk of neurotoxicity.
Flucloxacillin is not significantly removed by dialysis and so no supplementary dosages need to be administered either during or at the end of the dialysis period.
Hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice have been reported. These reactions are related neither to the dose nor to the route of administration. Flucloxacillin should be used with caution in patients with evidence of hepatic dysfunction, patients >50 years or patients with underlying disease all of whom are at increased risk of hepatic reactions. The onset of these hepatic effects may be delayed for up to two months post-treatment. In several cases, the course of the reactions has been protracted and lasted for some months. In very rare cases, a fatal outcome has been reported (see section 4.8).
As for other penicillins contact with the skin should be avoided as sensitisation may occur.
Patients with a known history of allergy are more likely to develop a hypersensitivity reaction.
Prolonged use of an anti-infective agent may occasionally result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms.
Before initiating therapy with flucloxacillin, careful enquiry should be made concerning previous hypersensitivity reactions to β-lactams. Cross-sensitivity between penicillins and cephalosporins is well documented. Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylaxis) have been reported in patients receiving β-lactam antibiotics. Although anaphylaxis is more frequent following parenteral therapy, it has occurred in patients on oral therapy. These reactions are more likely to occur in individuals with a history of β-lactam hypersensitivity.
If anaphylaxis occurs flucloxacillin should be discontinued and the appropriate therapy instituted. Serious anaphylactic reactions may require immediate emergency treatment with adrenaline (epinephrine). Ensure adequate airway and ventilation and give 100% oxygen. IV crystalloids, hydrocortisone, antihistamine and nebulised bronchodilators may also be required.
Special caution is essential in the newborn because of the risk of hyperbilirubinaemia. Studies have shown that, at high dose following parenteral administration, flucloxacillin can displace bilirubin from plasma protein binding sites, and may therefore predispose to kernicterus in a jaundiced baby. In addition, special caution is essential in the newborn because of the potential for high serum levels of flucloxacillin due to a reduced rate of renal excretion.
During prolonged treatments (e.g. osteomyelitis, endocarditis), regular monitoring of hepatic and renal functions is recommended.
Caution is advised when flucloxacillin is administered concomitantly with paracetamol due to the increased risk of high anion gap metabolic acidosis (HAGMA). Patients at high risk for HAGMA are in particular those with severe renal impairment, sepsis or malnutrition especially if the maximum daily doses of paracetamol are used.
After co-administration of flucloxacillin and paracetamol, a close monitoring is recommended in order to detect the appearance of acid-base disorders, namely HAGMA, including the search of urinary 5-oxoproline.
If flucloxacillin is continued after cessation of paracetamol, it is advisable to ensure that there are no signals of HAGMA, as there is a possibility of flucloxacillin maintaining the clinical picture of HAGMA (see section 4.5).
This medicinal product contains 46.5 mg sodium per gram, equivalent to 2.33% of the WHO recommended maximum daily intake of 2 g sodium for an adult.
To be taken into consideration by patients on a controlled sodium diet.
Hypokalaemia (potentially life threatening) can occur with the use of flucloxacillin, especially in high doses. Hypokalaemia caused by flucloxacillin can be resistant to potassium supplementation. Regular measurements of potassium levels are recommended during the therapy with higher doses of flucloxacillin. Attention for this risk is warranted also when combining flucloxacillin with hypokalemia-inducing diuretics or when other risk factors for the development of hypokalemia are present (e.g. malnutrition, renal tubule disfunction).4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Probenecid and sulfinpyrazone slow down the excretion of flucloxacillin by decreasing tubular secretion.
Other drugs, such as piperacillin, which are excreted via renal tubular secretion, may interfere with flucloxacillin elimination.
Oral typhoid vaccine may be inactivated by flucloxacillin.
Flucloxacillin reduces the excretion of methotrexate which can cause methotrexate toxicity.
Flucloxacillin may reduce the response to sugammadex.
There are rare cases of altered international normalised ratio (INR) in patients taking warfarin and prescribed a course of flucloxacillin. If co-administration is necessary, the prothrombin time or international normalised ratio should be carefully monitored during addition or withdrawal of flucloxacillin.
Bacteriostatic drugs may interfere with the bactericidal action of flucloxacillin.
Caution should be taken when flucloxacillin is used concomitantly with paracetamol as concurrent intake has been associated with high anion gap metabolic acidosis, especially in patients with risk factors. (See section 4.4.)
Flucloxacillin (CYP450 inducer) has been reported to significantly decrease plasma voriconazole concentrations. If concomitant administration of flucloxacillin with voriconazole cannot be avoided, monitor for potential loss of voriconazole effectiveness (e.g. by therapeutic drug monitoring); increasing the dose of voriconazole may be needed.4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy: Animal studies with flucloxacillin have shown no teratogenic effects. The product has been in clinical use since 1970 and the limited number of reported cases of use in human pregnancy have shown no evidence of untoward effects. The decision to administer any drug during pregnancy should be taken with the utmost care. Therefore flucloxacillin should only be used in pregnancy when the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks associated with treatment.
Lactation: Trace quantities of flucloxacillin can be detected in breast milk. The possibility of hypersensitivity reactions must be considered in breast-feeding infants. Therefore flucloxacillin should only be administered to a breast-feeding mother when the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks associated with the treatment.4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Adverse effects on the ability to drive or operate machinery have not been observed.4.8 Undesirable effects
The following convention has been utilised for the classification of undesirable effects:- Very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100, <1/10), uncommon (≥1/1000, <1/100), rare (≥1/10,000, <1/1000), very rare ( <1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
Unless otherwise stated, the frequency of the adverse events has been derived from more than 30 years of post-marketing reports.
| | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| \*\*System organ class\*\* | \*\*Frequency\*\* | \*\*Undesirable Effects\*\* |
| Blood and lymphatic system disorders | Very Rare | Neutropenia (including agranulocytosis) and thrombocytopenia. These are reversible when treatment is discontinued. Eosinophilia, Haemolytic anaemia. |
| Immune system disorders | Very Rare | Anaphylactic shock (exceptional with oral administration) (see Section 4.4 special Warnings and special precautions for use), angioneurotic oedema. If any hypersensitivity reaction occurs, the treatment should be discontinued. (See also Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders). |
| Metabolism and nutrition disorders | Very Rare | Post marketing experience: very rare cases of high anion gap metabolic acidosis, when flucloxacillin is used concomitantly with paracetamol, generally in the presence of risk factors (see section 4.4.) |
| Not known | Hypokalaemia |
| Gastrointestinal disorders | Common | \\*Minor gastrointestinal disturbances. |
| Very Rare | Pseudomembranous colitis. If pseudomembranous colitis develops, flucloxacillin treatment should be discontinued and appropriate therapy, e.g. oral vancomycin should be initiated. |
| Not known | Oesophageal pain and related events \\*\\* |
| Hepato-biliary disorders | Very Rare | Hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice. (See Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Special Precautions for Use). Changes in liver function laboratory test results (reversible when treatment is discontinued). These reactions are related neither to the dose nor to the route of administration. Hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice may be delayed for up to two months post-treatment; in several cases the course of the reactions has been protracted and lasted for some months. Hepatic events may be severe and in very rare circumstances a fatal outcome has been reported. Most reports of deaths have been in patients ≥ 50 years and in patients with serious underlying disease. There is evidence that the risk of flucloxacillin induced liver injury is increased in subjects carrying the HLA-B\\*5701 allele. Despite this strong association, only 1 in 500-1000 carriers will develop liver injury. Consequently, the positive predictive value of testing the HLA-B\\*5701 allele for liver injury is very low (0.12%) and routine screening for this allele is not recommended. |
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | Uncommon | \\*Rash, urticaria and purpura. |
| Very Rare | Erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. (See also Immune system disorders). |
| Not known | AGEP – acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (see section 4.4). |
| Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders | Very Rare | Arthralgia and myalgia sometimes develop more than 48 hours after the start of the treatment. |
| Renal and urinary disorders | Very Rare | Interstitial nephritis. This is reversible when treatment is discontinued. |
| General disorders and administration site conditions | Very Rare | Fever sometimes develops more than 48 hours after the start of the treatment. |
\\*The incidence of these AEs was derived from clinical studies involving a total of approximately 929 adult and paediatric patients taking flucloxacillin\*\*.\*\*
\\*\\* oesophagitis, burn oesophageal, throat irritation, oropharyngeal pain or oral pain
\*\*Reporting of suspected adverse reactions\*\*
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme; website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.4.9 Overdose
With high doses (mainly parenteral) neurotoxicity may develop.
Gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea may be evident and should be treated symptomatically.
Flucloxacillin is not removed from the circulation by haemodialysis.
- Instruction Pharmacology
- 5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
ATC code: J01CF05
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Beta-lactamase resistant penicillins
Properties: Flucloxacillin is a narrow-spectrum antibiotic of the group of isoxazolyl penicillins; it is not inactivated by staphylococcal β-lactamases.
Activity: Flucloxacillin, by its action on the synthesis of the bacterial wall, exerts a bactericidal effect on streptococci except those of group D (\*Enterococcus faecalis\*) and staphylococci. It is not active against methicillin-resistant staphylococci.
There is evidence that the risk of flucloxacillin induced liver injury is increased in subjects carrying the HLA-B\\*5701 allele. Despite this strong association, only 1 in 500-1000 carriers will develop liver injury. Consequently, the positive predictive value of testing the HLA-B\\*5701 allele for liver injury is very low (0.12%) and routine screening for this allele is not recommended.
\*\*Breakpoints\*\*
MIC breakpoints for flucloxacillin are those of the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) version 10.0.
| | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| \*\*Organism\*\* | \*\*MIC Breakpoints (mg/L)\*\* | |
| \*\*Susceptible ≤\*\* | \*\*Resistant >\*\* |
| \*Staphylococcus\* spp. | Note1 | Note1 |
| Streptococcus groups A, C and G | Note2 | Note2 |
| 1Most staphylococci are penicillinase producers and some are methicillin resistant. Either mechanism renders them resistant to benzylpenicillin, phenoxymethylpenicillin, ampicillin, amoxicillin, piperacillin and ticarcillin. Staphylococci that test susceptible to benzylpenicillin and cefoxitin can be reported susceptible to all penicillins. Staphylococci that test resistant to benzylpenicillin but susceptible to cefoxitin are susceptible to β-lactamase inhibitor combinations, the isoxazolylpenicillins (oxacillin, cloxacillin, dicloxacillin and flucloxacillin) and nafcillin. For agents given orally, care to achieve sufficient exposure at the site of the infection should be exercised. Staphylococci that test resistant to cefoxitin are resistant to all penicillins. 2The susceptibility of streptococcus groups A, B, C and G to penicillins is inferred from the benzylpenicillin susceptibility with the exception of phenoxymethylpenicillin and isoxazolylpenicillins for streptococcus group B. | | |5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
\*\*Absorption:\*\*
Flucloxacillin is stable in acid media and can therefore be administered either by the oral or parenteral route. The peak serum levels of flucloxacillin reached after one hour are as follows.
- After 250 mg by the oral route (in fasting subjects): Approximately 8.8 mg/l.
- After 500 mg by the oral route (in fasting subjects): Approximately 14.5mg/l.
- After 500 mg by the IM route: Approximately 16.5 mg/l.
The total quantity absorbed by the oral route represents approximately 79% of the quantity administered.
\*\*Distribution:\*\*
Flucloxacillin diffuses well into most tissue. Specifically, active concentrations of flucloxacillin have been recovered in bones: 11.6 mg/l (compact bone) and 15.6 mg/l (spongy bone), with a mean serum level of 8.9 mg/l.
Crossing the meningeal barrier: Flucloxacillin diffuses in only small proportion into the cerebrospinal fluid of subjects whose meninges are not inflamed.
Crossing into mother's milk: Flucloxacillin is excreted in small quantities in mother's milk.
\*\*Metabolism:\*\*
In normal subjects approximately 10% of the flucloxacillin administered is metabolised to penicilloic acid. The elimination half-life of flucloxacillin is in the order of 53 minutes.
\*\*Excretion:\*\*
Excretion occurs mainly through the kidney. Between 65.5% (oral route) and 76.1% (parenteral route) of the dose administered is recovered in unaltered active form in the urine within 8 hours. A small portion of the dose administered is excreted in the bile. The excretion of flucloxacillin is slowed in cases of renal failure.
Protein binding: The serum protein-binding rate is 95%.5.3 Preclinical safety data
No further information of relevance to add.
- Instruction Pharmaceutical Particulars
- 6.1 List of excipients
Magnesium stearate
\*\*\*Capsule shell:\*\*\*
Gelatin
Titanium dioxide (E171)
Indigo carmine (E 132)
Water
\*\*\*Printing ink:\*\*\*
Shellac (E904)
Dehydrated alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol
Butyl alcohol
Propylene glycol
Titanium dioxide (E171)
Polysorbate 806.2 Incompatibilities
Not applicable.6.3 Shelf life
2 years.6.4 Special precautions for storage
Do not Store above 25°C. Store in the original package.6.5 Nature and contents of container
Plain Cold form Laminated Foil with plain Aluminium blister foil.
Blister packs are available in pack sizes of 15, 18, 20, 21, 28, 30, 50, 100, 250 & 500 capsules.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements
- Instruction Content
- ## Composition
Each capsule contains flucloxacillin sodium equivalent to 500 mg of flucloxacillin.
Excipient with known effect: Each capsule contains approximately 46.5 mg sodium per gram.
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
## Pharmaceutical Form
Capsule, hard
Hard gelatine capsule, Size “0” Blue/Blue capsule with printing “fluc/500” on cap and body inwhite ink containing white to off white granular powder.
## Clinical Particulars
4.1 Therapeutic indications
Flucloxacillin capsules is indicated for the treatment of infections due to sensitive Gram-positive organisms, including β-lactamase producing staphylococci and streptococci. Typical indications include:
| | |
| --- | --- |
| \*\*\*Skin and soft tissue infections:\*\*\* | |
| Boils Abscesses Carbuncles Furunculosis | Cellulitis Infected skin conditions e.g. ulcer, eczema, and acne Infected wounds | Infected burns Protection for skin grafts Impetigo |
| \*\*\*Respiratory tract infections:\*\*\* | |
| Pneumonia Sinusitis Tonsillitis | Lung abscess Pharyngitis Quinsy | Empyema Otitis media and externa |
| \*\*\*Other infections caused by flucloxacillin-sensitive organisms:\*\*\* | |
| Osteomyelitis Enteritis Endocarditis | Urinary tract infection Meningitis Septicaemia | |
Flucloxacillin capsules is also indicated for use as a prophylactic agent during major surgical procedures when appropriate; for example cardiothoracic and orthopaedic surgery.
Parenteral usage is indicated where oral dosage is inappropriate.
Consideration should be given to official local guidance (e.g. national recommendations) on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents.
Susceptibility of the causative organism to the treatment should be tested (if possible), although therapy may be initiated before the results are available.4.2 Posology and method of administration
\*\*Posology\*\*
The dosage depends on the age, weight and renal function of the patient, as well as the severity of the infection.
\*Adults (including elderly patients)\*
\*Oral\* - 250 mg four times a day.
In serious infections, the dosage may be doubled.
Osteomyelitis, endocarditis - Up to 8 g daily, in divided doses six to eight hourly.
Surgical prophylaxis - 1 to 2 g IV at induction of anaesthesia followed by 500 mg six hourly IV, IM or orally for up to 72 hours.
\*Paediatric population\*
2-10 years: 125 mg four times daily.
Under 2 years: 62.5mg four times daily.
Premature infants, neonates, sucklings and infants
Other pharmaceutical forms/strengths may be more appropriate for administration to this population.
Abnormal renal function:
In common with other penicillins, Flucloxacillin usage in patients with renal impairment does not usually require dosage reduction. However, in the presence of severe renal failure (creatinine clearance < 10 ml/min) a reduction in dose or an extension of dose interval should be considered. Flucloxacillin is not significantly removed by dialysis and hence no supplementary dosages need to be administered either during, or at the end of the dialysis period. The maximum recommended dose in adults is 1 g every 8 to 12 hours.
\*Hepatic impairment\*
Dose reduction in patients with reduced hepatic function is not necessary.
\*\*Method of administration\*\*
Oral: This medicine should be taken on an empty stomach. This means an hour before food or two hours after food.
Flucloxacillin capsules should be taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
The capsules should be taken with a full glass of water (250 ml), to reduce the risk of oesophageal pain (see section 4.8).
Patients should not lay down immediately after Flucloxacillin intake.4.3 Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance, to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1, or to β-lactam antibiotics (e.g. penicillins, cephalosporins). Flucloxacillin is contra-indicated in patients with a previous history of flucloxacillin associated jaundice/hepatic dysfunction.4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
The occurrence at the treatment initiation of a feverish generalised erythema associated with pustula may be a symptom of acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) (see section 4.8). In case of AGEP diagnosis, flucloxacillin should be discontinued and any subsequent administration of flucloxacillin contra-indicated.
The use of flucloxacillin (like other penicillins) in patients with renal impairment does not usually require dosage reduction. In the presence of severe renal failure (creatinine clearance less than 10ml/min), however, a reduction in dose or an extension of dose interval should be considered because of the risk of neurotoxicity.
Flucloxacillin is not significantly removed by dialysis and so no supplementary dosages need to be administered either during or at the end of the dialysis period.
Hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice have been reported. These reactions are related neither to the dose nor to the route of administration. Flucloxacillin should be used with caution in patients with evidence of hepatic dysfunction, patients >50 years or patients with underlying disease all of whom are at increased risk of hepatic reactions. The onset of these hepatic effects may be delayed for up to two months post-treatment. In several cases, the course of the reactions has been protracted and lasted for some months. In very rare cases, a fatal outcome has been reported (see section 4.8).
As for other penicillins contact with the skin should be avoided as sensitisation may occur.
Patients with a known history of allergy are more likely to develop a hypersensitivity reaction.
Prolonged use of an anti-infective agent may occasionally result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms.
Before initiating therapy with flucloxacillin, careful enquiry should be made concerning previous hypersensitivity reactions to β-lactams. Cross-sensitivity between penicillins and cephalosporins is well documented. Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylaxis) have been reported in patients receiving β-lactam antibiotics. Although anaphylaxis is more frequent following parenteral therapy, it has occurred in patients on oral therapy. These reactions are more likely to occur in individuals with a history of β-lactam hypersensitivity.
If anaphylaxis occurs flucloxacillin should be discontinued and the appropriate therapy instituted. Serious anaphylactic reactions may require immediate emergency treatment with adrenaline (epinephrine). Ensure adequate airway and ventilation and give 100% oxygen. IV crystalloids, hydrocortisone, antihistamine and nebulised bronchodilators may also be required.
Special caution is essential in the newborn because of the risk of hyperbilirubinaemia. Studies have shown that, at high dose following parenteral administration, flucloxacillin can displace bilirubin from plasma protein binding sites, and may therefore predispose to kernicterus in a jaundiced baby. In addition, special caution is essential in the newborn because of the potential for high serum levels of flucloxacillin due to a reduced rate of renal excretion.
During prolonged treatments (e.g. osteomyelitis, endocarditis), regular monitoring of hepatic and renal functions is recommended.
Caution is advised when flucloxacillin is administered concomitantly with paracetamol due to the increased risk of high anion gap metabolic acidosis (HAGMA). Patients at high risk for HAGMA are in particular those with severe renal impairment, sepsis or malnutrition especially if the maximum daily doses of paracetamol are used.
After co-administration of flucloxacillin and paracetamol, a close monitoring is recommended in order to detect the appearance of acid-base disorders, namely HAGMA, including the search of urinary 5-oxoproline.
If flucloxacillin is continued after cessation of paracetamol, it is advisable to ensure that there are no signals of HAGMA, as there is a possibility of flucloxacillin maintaining the clinical picture of HAGMA (see section 4.5).
This medicinal product contains 46.5 mg sodium per gram, equivalent to 2.33% of the WHO recommended maximum daily intake of 2 g sodium for an adult.
To be taken into consideration by patients on a controlled sodium diet.
Hypokalaemia (potentially life threatening) can occur with the use of flucloxacillin, especially in high doses. Hypokalaemia caused by flucloxacillin can be resistant to potassium supplementation. Regular measurements of potassium levels are recommended during the therapy with higher doses of flucloxacillin. Attention for this risk is warranted also when combining flucloxacillin with hypokalemia-inducing diuretics or when other risk factors for the development of hypokalemia are present (e.g. malnutrition, renal tubule disfunction).4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Probenecid and sulfinpyrazone slow down the excretion of flucloxacillin by decreasing tubular secretion.
Other drugs, such as piperacillin, which are excreted via renal tubular secretion, may interfere with flucloxacillin elimination.
Oral typhoid vaccine may be inactivated by flucloxacillin.
Flucloxacillin reduces the excretion of methotrexate which can cause methotrexate toxicity.
Flucloxacillin may reduce the response to sugammadex.
There are rare cases of altered international normalised ratio (INR) in patients taking warfarin and prescribed a course of flucloxacillin. If co-administration is necessary, the prothrombin time or international normalised ratio should be carefully monitored during addition or withdrawal of flucloxacillin.
Bacteriostatic drugs may interfere with the bactericidal action of flucloxacillin.
Caution should be taken when flucloxacillin is used concomitantly with paracetamol as concurrent intake has been associated with high anion gap metabolic acidosis, especially in patients with risk factors. (See section 4.4.)
Flucloxacillin (CYP450 inducer) has been reported to significantly decrease plasma voriconazole concentrations. If concomitant administration of flucloxacillin with voriconazole cannot be avoided, monitor for potential loss of voriconazole effectiveness (e.g. by therapeutic drug monitoring); increasing the dose of voriconazole may be needed.4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy: Animal studies with flucloxacillin have shown no teratogenic effects. The product has been in clinical use since 1970 and the limited number of reported cases of use in human pregnancy have shown no evidence of untoward effects. The decision to administer any drug during pregnancy should be taken with the utmost care. Therefore flucloxacillin should only be used in pregnancy when the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks associated with treatment.
Lactation: Trace quantities of flucloxacillin can be detected in breast milk. The possibility of hypersensitivity reactions must be considered in breast-feeding infants. Therefore flucloxacillin should only be administered to a breast-feeding mother when the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks associated with the treatment.4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Adverse effects on the ability to drive or operate machinery have not been observed.4.8 Undesirable effects
The following convention has been utilised for the classification of undesirable effects:- Very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100, <1/10), uncommon (≥1/1000, <1/100), rare (≥1/10,000, <1/1000), very rare ( <1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
Unless otherwise stated, the frequency of the adverse events has been derived from more than 30 years of post-marketing reports.
| | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| \*\*System organ class\*\* | \*\*Frequency\*\* | \*\*Undesirable Effects\*\* |
| Blood and lymphatic system disorders | Very Rare | Neutropenia (including agranulocytosis) and thrombocytopenia. These are reversible when treatment is discontinued. Eosinophilia, Haemolytic anaemia. |
| Immune system disorders | Very Rare | Anaphylactic shock (exceptional with oral administration) (see Section 4.4 special Warnings and special precautions for use), angioneurotic oedema. If any hypersensitivity reaction occurs, the treatment should be discontinued. (See also Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders). |
| Metabolism and nutrition disorders | Very Rare | Post marketing experience: very rare cases of high anion gap metabolic acidosis, when flucloxacillin is used concomitantly with paracetamol, generally in the presence of risk factors (see section 4.4.) |
| Not known | Hypokalaemia |
| Gastrointestinal disorders | Common | \\*Minor gastrointestinal disturbances. |
| Very Rare | Pseudomembranous colitis. If pseudomembranous colitis develops, flucloxacillin treatment should be discontinued and appropriate therapy, e.g. oral vancomycin should be initiated. |
| Not known | Oesophageal pain and related events \\*\\* |
| Hepato-biliary disorders | Very Rare | Hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice. (See Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Special Precautions for Use). Changes in liver function laboratory test results (reversible when treatment is discontinued). These reactions are related neither to the dose nor to the route of administration. Hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice may be delayed for up to two months post-treatment; in several cases the course of the reactions has been protracted and lasted for some months. Hepatic events may be severe and in very rare circumstances a fatal outcome has been reported. Most reports of deaths have been in patients ≥ 50 years and in patients with serious underlying disease. There is evidence that the risk of flucloxacillin induced liver injury is increased in subjects carrying the HLA-B\\*5701 allele. Despite this strong association, only 1 in 500-1000 carriers will develop liver injury. Consequently, the positive predictive value of testing the HLA-B\\*5701 allele for liver injury is very low (0.12%) and routine screening for this allele is not recommended. |
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | Uncommon | \\*Rash, urticaria and purpura. |
| Very Rare | Erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. (See also Immune system disorders). |
| Not known | AGEP – acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (see section 4.4). |
| Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders | Very Rare | Arthralgia and myalgia sometimes develop more than 48 hours after the start of the treatment. |
| Renal and urinary disorders | Very Rare | Interstitial nephritis. This is reversible when treatment is discontinued. |
| General disorders and administration site conditions | Very Rare | Fever sometimes develops more than 48 hours after the start of the treatment. |
\\*The incidence of these AEs was derived from clinical studies involving a total of approximately 929 adult and paediatric patients taking flucloxacillin\*\*.\*\*
\\*\\* oesophagitis, burn oesophageal, throat irritation, oropharyngeal pain or oral pain
\*\*Reporting of suspected adverse reactions\*\*
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme; website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.4.9 Overdose
With high doses (mainly parenteral) neurotoxicity may develop.
Gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea may be evident and should be treated symptomatically.
Flucloxacillin is not removed from the circulation by haemodialysis.
## Pharmacological Properties
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
ATC code: J01CF05
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Beta-lactamase resistant penicillins
Properties: Flucloxacillin is a narrow-spectrum antibiotic of the group of isoxazolyl penicillins; it is not inactivated by staphylococcal β-lactamases.
Activity: Flucloxacillin, by its action on the synthesis of the bacterial wall, exerts a bactericidal effect on streptococci except those of group D (\*Enterococcus faecalis\*) and staphylococci. It is not active against methicillin-resistant staphylococci.
There is evidence that the risk of flucloxacillin induced liver injury is increased in subjects carrying the HLA-B\\*5701 allele. Despite this strong association, only 1 in 500-1000 carriers will develop liver injury. Consequently, the positive predictive value of testing the HLA-B\\*5701 allele for liver injury is very low (0.12%) and routine screening for this allele is not recommended.
\*\*Breakpoints\*\*
MIC breakpoints for flucloxacillin are those of the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) version 10.0.
| | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| \*\*Organism\*\* | \*\*MIC Breakpoints (mg/L)\*\* | |
| \*\*Susceptible ≤\*\* | \*\*Resistant >\*\* |
| \*Staphylococcus\* spp. | Note1 | Note1 |
| Streptococcus groups A, C and G | Note2 | Note2 |
| 1Most staphylococci are penicillinase producers and some are methicillin resistant. Either mechanism renders them resistant to benzylpenicillin, phenoxymethylpenicillin, ampicillin, amoxicillin, piperacillin and ticarcillin. Staphylococci that test susceptible to benzylpenicillin and cefoxitin can be reported susceptible to all penicillins. Staphylococci that test resistant to benzylpenicillin but susceptible to cefoxitin are susceptible to β-lactamase inhibitor combinations, the isoxazolylpenicillins (oxacillin, cloxacillin, dicloxacillin and flucloxacillin) and nafcillin. For agents given orally, care to achieve sufficient exposure at the site of the infection should be exercised. Staphylococci that test resistant to cefoxitin are resistant to all penicillins. 2The susceptibility of streptococcus groups A, B, C and G to penicillins is inferred from the benzylpenicillin susceptibility with the exception of phenoxymethylpenicillin and isoxazolylpenicillins for streptococcus group B. | | |5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
\*\*Absorption:\*\*
Flucloxacillin is stable in acid media and can therefore be administered either by the oral or parenteral route. The peak serum levels of flucloxacillin reached after one hour are as follows.
- After 250 mg by the oral route (in fasting subjects): Approximately 8.8 mg/l.
- After 500 mg by the oral route (in fasting subjects): Approximately 14.5mg/l.
- After 500 mg by the IM route: Approximately 16.5 mg/l.
The total quantity absorbed by the oral route represents approximately 79% of the quantity administered.
\*\*Distribution:\*\*
Flucloxacillin diffuses well into most tissue. Specifically, active concentrations of flucloxacillin have been recovered in bones: 11.6 mg/l (compact bone) and 15.6 mg/l (spongy bone), with a mean serum level of 8.9 mg/l.
Crossing the meningeal barrier: Flucloxacillin diffuses in only small proportion into the cerebrospinal fluid of subjects whose meninges are not inflamed.
Crossing into mother's milk: Flucloxacillin is excreted in small quantities in mother's milk.
\*\*Metabolism:\*\*
In normal subjects approximately 10% of the flucloxacillin administered is metabolised to penicilloic acid. The elimination half-life of flucloxacillin is in the order of 53 minutes.
\*\*Excretion:\*\*
Excretion occurs mainly through the kidney. Between 65.5% (oral route) and 76.1% (parenteral route) of the dose administered is recovered in unaltered active form in the urine within 8 hours. A small portion of the dose administered is excreted in the bile. The excretion of flucloxacillin is slowed in cases of renal failure.
Protein binding: The serum protein-binding rate is 95%.5.3 Preclinical safety data
No further information of relevance to add.
## Pharmaceutical Particulars
6.1 List of excipients
Magnesium stearate
\*\*\*Capsule shell:\*\*\*
Gelatin
Titanium dioxide (E171)
Indigo carmine (E 132)
Water
\*\*\*Printing ink:\*\*\*
Shellac (E904)
Dehydrated alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol
Butyl alcohol
Propylene glycol
Titanium dioxide (E171)
Polysorbate 806.2 Incompatibilities
Not applicable.6.3 Shelf life
2 years.6.4 Special precautions for storage
Do not Store above 25°C. Store in the original package.6.5 Nature and contents of container
Plain Cold form Laminated Foil with plain Aluminium blister foil.
Blister packs are available in pack sizes of 15, 18, 20, 21, 28, 30, 50, 100, 250 & 500 capsules.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements
