CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.
Leg ulcer - venous - Management
What issues should I consider before prescribing flucloxacillin?
- Flucloxacillin should not be taken by people who have true penicillin allergy. However, gastrointestinal adverse effects alone (i.e. nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea) do not constitute an allergy to penicillin [BNF 54, 2007].
- Flucloxacillin has been associated with an increased risk of hepatic disorders, namely hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice.
- The Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) advises that hepatic reactions may very rarely occur up to 2 months after treatment with flucloxacillin has ceased. Risk factors include treatment for more than 14 days and increasing age. The dose and route of administration do not appear to affect this risk.
© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement