Flucloxacillin
About
Flucloxacillin is a type of penicillin antibiotic. It's used to treat a variety of infections including: skin and wound infections bone infections (osteomyelitis) ear infections Flucloxacillin is only available on prescription. It comes as capsules, or as a liquid for children and people who find it difficult to swallow capsules. It can also be given by injection, but this is usually done in hospital. You'll usually take flucloxacillin 4 times a day to treat an infection. For most infections, you should start to feel better within a few days. Take flucloxacillin on an empty stomach. This means at least 60 minutes before a meal or snack, or at least 2 hours after. The most common side effects are feeling sick and diarrhoea. You can drink alcohol while taking flucloxacillin. You can take flucloxacillin during pregnancy or while you're breastfeeding. Page last reviewed: 26 June 2025 Next review due: 26 June 2028
Key facts
You'll usually take flucloxacillin 4 times a day to treat an infection.
For most infections, you should start to feel better within a few days.
Take flucloxacillin on an empty stomach. This means at least 60 minutes before a meal or snack, or at least 2 hours after.
The most common side effects are feeling sick and diarrhoea.
You can drink alcohol while taking flucloxacillin.
You can take flucloxacillin during pregnancy or while you're breastfeeding.