Inclox 500mg Capsule — Flucloxacillin Sodium 500mg by Beximco Pharmaceuticals

Inclox 500mg Capsule — Flucloxacillin Sodium 500mg | Beximco Pharmaceuticals

Overview

Inclox 500mg contains Flucloxacillin Sodium 500mg — the standard adult dose of this penicillinase-resistant penicillin antibiotic. The 500mg strength is the most commonly prescribed dose for treating moderate skin and soft tissue infections in adults, and is also used for more serious staphylococcal infections requiring higher concentrations. Flucloxacillin is the drug of choice for infections caused by penicillinase-producing Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA — methicillin-sensitive S. aureus) and is particularly important in diabetic patients who are disproportionately prone to staphylococcal skin, wound, and foot infections due to impaired immunity, peripheral vascular disease, and neuropathy.

Mechanism of Action

Flucloxacillin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), blocking peptidoglycan cross-linking and causing bacterial lysis. Its isoxazolyl side chain provides resistance to beta-lactamase enzymes produced by S. aureus, making it effective against penicillin-resistant staphylococci. It has no activity against MRSA, Gram-negative bacteria, or atypical organisms.

Indications

• Skin and soft tissue infections — moderate to severe cellulitis, impetigo, erysipelas, infected wounds, furunculosis, carbuncles, infected eczema caused by S. aureus
• Diabetic foot infections — mild to moderate staphylococcal diabetic foot infections; always with physician guidance and wound care
• Osteomyelitis — staphylococcal bone infection (usually 4–6 week course, often following IV flucloxacillin)
• Septic arthritis — staphylococcal joint infection
• Staphylococcal pneumonia
• Endocarditis — MSSA endocarditis (high dose, specialist use)
• Mastitis — breast infection
• Post-operative wound infections

Dosage and Administration

Must be taken on an empty stomach — 30–60 minutes before food or 2 hours after eating. Food reduces absorption by up to 50%. Space doses evenly every 6 hours throughout the day and night for severe infections. Complete the full course without skipping doses.

Critical Information for Diabetic Patients

• First-line for diabetic staphylococcal infections: Flucloxacillin 500mg QDS is the standard first-line oral antibiotic for mild-moderate diabetic foot infections and skin infections caused by MSSA. If there is no improvement within 48–72 hours, contact your physician — broader-spectrum antibiotics or IV therapy may be required
• Blood glucose monitoring during infection: Bacterial infection significantly elevates blood glucose through stress hormone release — monitor blood glucose at least 4 times daily during any antibiotic course and adjust insulin or oral medications as directed
• Wound inspection: Diabetic patients with neuropathy may not feel worsening wound pain — inspect the wound visually every day during antibiotic treatment for signs of spreading redness, increased swelling, or discharge. Seek immediate medical attention if the infection appears to be spreading
• MRSA awareness: Standard flucloxacillin does not cover MRSA. If you have had MRSA before, are a healthcare worker, or have been recently hospitalised, alert your physician — a wound swab should be taken before starting antibiotics and MRSA-active antibiotics prescribed if indicated

Side Effects

Contraindications

• Penicillin allergy (history of anaphylaxis, angioedema, or severe rash with any penicillin)
• History of flucloxacillin-associated liver disease

Drug Interactions

• Warfarin: Flucloxacillin substantially reduces warfarin effect — INR may fall; monitor closely and adjust warfarin dose
• Methotrexate: Reduced renal clearance — methotrexate toxicity risk; avoid combination
• Oral contraceptives: Broad-spectrum antibiotic interaction historically noted — use additional contraception during course as a precaution

Storage

Store below 25°C in a dry place. Protect from light. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use after expiry date.

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between Inclox 250mg and Inclox 500mg?
Both contain the same antibiotic (flucloxacillin sodium) — the 500mg is simply double the dose of the 250mg. The 500mg is the standard adult dose for moderate infections and is more commonly prescribed. The 250mg is used for mild infections in adults, or standard dosing in children. Your physician will prescribe the appropriate strength based on the severity and location of your infection.

Q: I am a diabetic with a wound on my foot. My doctor prescribed flucloxacillin 500mg. How long should I take it?
For mild to moderate diabetic foot infections involving skin and superficial tissue, a 7–14 day course of flucloxacillin is typically prescribed. However, diabetic foot infections often require specialist assessment — a podiatrist or wound care team should also be involved for wound debridement, off-loading, and dressing. If the wound does not improve within 48–72 hours of starting flucloxacillin, contact your physician immediately as broader-spectrum antibiotics, imaging for bone involvement, or hospital admission may be required.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Diabetic foot infections are serious and can progress rapidly to osteomyelitis or require amputation without prompt expert management. Always seek immediate medical evaluation. Prescription required.