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Flucloxacillin administration advice — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyPatient CounsellingFlucloxacillin administration adviceGPhC CRA

A 35-year-old man presents with a prescription for flucloxacillin 500 mg four times daily for seven days for cellulitis of the lower leg. He has no drug allergies. He asks if he needs to take it at any particular time in relation to food. What is the most appropriate advice?

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Correct answer: C — Take flucloxacillin on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before food or two hours after, for optimal absorption

Flucloxacillin absorption is significantly reduced when taken with food. The BNF advises taking flucloxacillin on an empty stomach — at least 30 minutes before food or two hours after food. This is an important counselling point as poor absorption may lead to treatment failure. Taking it with milk would also reduce absorption.

Reference: BNF