How and when to take flucloxacillin

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 shortly before 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.