4 Penicillins: penicillinase-resistant

Question 1

Flucloxacillin is a penicillinase-resistant antibiotic, what is it commonly indicated for?

Answer 1

Staphylococcal infection:

1) Skin and soft tissue infections such as cellulitis.
2) Osteomyelitis and septic arthritis.
3) including endocarditis.

Question 2

what is the spectrum of activity for flucloxacillin?

Answer 2

Penicillinase-resistant penicillins have a narrow spectrum of activity against Gram-positive staphylococci

Question 3

what is the MoA of flucloxacillin?

Answer 3

1) Penicillins inhibit the enzymes responsible for cross-linking peptidoglycans in bacterial cell walls
2) effective against β-lactamase-producing staphylococci due to acyl side

Question 4

outline the side effects of flucloxacillin

Answer 4

1) Minor GI upset is common
2) Liver toxicity, including cholestasis and hepatitis, is a rare and can occur even up to 2 months after treatment has been completed
3) Allergy or in severe cases anaphylactic reaction

Question 5

who should flucloxacillin be used in caution with?

Answer 5

1) Dose reduction in renal failure
2) Penicillin allergy
3) Prior flucloxacillin-related hepatotoxicity. caution hepatic impairment.

Question 6

how should flucloxacillin be administered?

Answer 6

take on an empty stomach, an hour before food or 2 hours after food
( same with phenoxycillinpenicillin)