Gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea may be evident and should be treated symptomatically.
E-Flu is not removed from the circulation by haemodialysis.
Gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea may be evident and should be treated symptomatically.
Flucloxacillin is not removed from the circulation by haemodialysis.
E-Flu should not be given to patients with a history of hypersensitivity to β-lactam antibiotics (e.g. penicillins, cephalosporins) or excipients.
E-Flu is contra-indicated in patients with a previous history of E-Flu-associated jaundice/hepatic dysfunction.
Flucloxacillin should not be given to patients with a history of hypersensitivity to β-lactam antibiotics (e.g. penicillins, cephalosporins) or excipients.
Flucloxacillin is contra-indicated in patients with a previous history of flucloxacillin-associated jaundice/hepatic dysfunction.
As for Penicillin. Incompatible with Colistin Polymixin B Sulphate. Loss of potency after mixing with Streptomycin has also been reported.
None known.
The following convention has been utilised for the classification of undesirable effects: Very common (>1/10), common (>1/100, <1/10), uncommon (>1/1000, <1/100), rare (>1/10,000, <1/1000), very rare (<1/10,000).
Unless otherwise stated, the frequency of the adverse events has been derived from more than 30 years of post-marketing reports.
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Very rare: Neutropenia (including agranulocytosis) and thrombocytopenia. These are reversible when treatment is discontinued. Haemolytic anaemia.
Immune system disorders
Very rare: Anaphylactic shock (exceptional with oral administration) (see Item 4.4 Warnings), angioneurotic oedema.
If any hypersensitivity reaction occurs, the treatment should be discontinued. (See also Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders).
Gastrointestinal disorders
*Common: Minor gastrointestinal disturbances.
Very rare: Pseudomembranous colitis.
If pseudomembranous colitis develops, E-Flu treatment should be discontinued and appropriate therapy, e.g. oral vancomycin should be initiated.
Hepato-biliary disorders
Changes in liver function laboratory test results (reversible when treatment is discontinued).Hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice may be delayed for up to two months post-treatment; in several cases the course of the reactions has been protracted and lasted for some months. Hepatic events may be severe and in very rare circumstances a fatal outcome has been reported. Most reports of deaths have been in patients >50 years and in patients with serious underlying disease.
There is evidence that the risk of E-Flu induced liver injury is increased in subjects carrying the HLA-B*5701 allele. Despite this strong association, only 1 in 500-1000 carriers will develop liver injury. Consequently, the positive predictive value of testing the HLA-B*5701 allele for liver injury is very low (0.12%) and routine screening for this allele is not recommended
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
*Uncommon: Rash, urticaria and purpura.
Very rare: Erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.
(See also Immune system disorders).
Frequency not known: AGEP - acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Very rare: Arthralgia and myalgia sometimes develop more than 48 hours after the start of the treatment.
Renal and urinary disorders
Very rare: Interstitial nephritis.
This is reversible when treatment is discontinued.
General disorders and administration site conditions
Very rare: Fever sometimes develops more than 48 hours after the start of the treatment.
*The incidence of these AEs was derived from clinical studies involving a total of approximately 929 adult and paediatric patients taking E-Flu.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme; website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
The following convention has been utilised for the classification of undesirable effects:- Very common (>1/10), common (>1/100, <1/10), uncommon (>1/1000, <1/100), rare (>1/10,000, <1/1000), very rare ( <1/10,000).
Unless otherwise stated, the frequency of the adverse events has been derived from more than 30 years of post-marketing reports.
| Blood and lymphatic system disorders | |
| Very rare: | Neutropenia (including agranulocytosis) and thrombocytopenia. These are reversible when treatment is discontinued. Eosinophilia, Haemolytic anaemia. |
| Immune system disorders | |
| Very rare: | |
| If any hypersensitivity reaction occurs, the treatment should be discontinued. (See also Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders). Gastrointestinal disorders | |
| *Common: | Minor gastrointestinal disturbances. |
| Very rare: | Pseudomembranous colitis. |
| If pseudomembranous colitis develops, flucloxacillin treatment should be discontinued and appropriate therapy, e.g. oral vancomycin should be initiated. Hepato-biliary disorders | |
| Very rare: | |
| Hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice may be delayed for up to two months post-treatment; in several cases the course of the reactions has been protracted and lasted for some months. Hepatic events may be severe and in very rare circumstances a fatal outcome has been reported. Most reports of deaths have been in patients > 50 years and in patients with serious underlying disease. There is evidence that the risk of flucloxacillin induced liver injury is increased in subjects carrying the HLA-B*5701 allele. Despite this strong association, only 1 in 500-1000 carriers will develop liver injury. Consequently, the positive predictive value of testing the HLA-B*5701 allele for liver injury is very low (0.12%) and routine screening for this allele is not recommended Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | |
| *Uncommon: | Rash, urticaria and purpura. |
| Very rare: | Erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. |
| (See also Immune system disorders). Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders | |
| Very rare: | Arthralgia and myalgia sometimes develop more than 48 hours after the start of the treatment. |
| Renal and urinary disorders | |
| Very rare: | Interstitial nephritis. |
| This is reversible when treatment is discontinued. General disorders and administration site conditions | |
| Very rare: | Fever sometimes develops more than 48 hours after the start of the treatment. |
*The incidence of these AEs was derived from clinical studies involving a total of approximately 929 adult and paediatric patients taking flucloxacillin.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme; website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
There are no pre-clinical data of relevance to the prescriber which are additional to that already included in other sections of the SPC.
No further information of relevance to add.
E-Flu Sodium is indicated for the treatment of infections due to sensitive Gram-positive organisms, including β-lactamase-producing staphylococci and streptococci. Typical indications include:
Skin and soft tissue infections:
Boils, Cellulitis, Infected burns, Abscesses, Infected skin conditions, e.g. ulcer, eczema, and acne, Protection for skin grafts, Carbuncles, Furunculosis, Infected wounds and Impetigo
Respiratory tract infections:
Pneumonia, Lung abscess, Empyema, Sinusitis, Pharyngitis, Otitis media and externa, Tonsillitis and Quinsy
Other infections caused by E-Flu-sensitive organisms:
Osteomyelitis, Urinary tract infection, Enteritis, Meningitis, Endocarditis and Septicaemia
E-Flu Sodium is also indicated for use as a prophylactic agent during major surgical procedures when appropriate; for example cardiothoracic and orthopaedic surgery.
Parenteral usage is indicated where oral dosage is inappropriate.
E-Flu is indicated for the treatment of infections due to sensitive Gram-positive organisms, including β-lactamase-producing staphylococci and streptococci. Typical indications include:
Skin and soft tissue infections:
Boils Abscesses Carbuncles Furunculosis | Cellulitis Infected skin conditions, e.g. ulcer, eczema, and acne Infected wounds | Infected burns Protection for skin grafts Impetigo |
Respiratory tract infections:
Pneumonia | Lung abscess | Empyema |
Sinusitis | Pharyngitis | Otitis media and externa |
Tonsillitis | Quinsy |
|
Other infections caused by E-Flu-sensitive organisms:
Osteomyelitis | Urinary tract infection |
|
Enteritis | Meningitis |
|
Endocarditis | Septicaemia |
|
E-Flu is also indicated for use as a prophylactic agent during major surgical procedures when appropriate; for example cardiothoracic and orthopaedic surgery.
Parenteral usage is indicated where oral dosage is inappropriate.
Pharmacotherapeutic Group: Beta-Lactamase Resistant Penicillins
ATC CODE: J01CF05
Properties: E-Flu is a narrow-spectrum antibiotic of the group of isoxazolyl penicillins; it is not inactivated by staphylococcal β-lactamases.
Activity: E-Flu, by its action on the synthesis of the bacterial wall, exerts a bactericidal effect on streptococci except those of group D (Enterococcus faecalis) staphylococci. It is not active against methicillin-resistant staphylococci.
There is evidence that the risk of E-Flu induced liver injury is increased in subjects carrying the HLA-B*5701 allele. Despite this strong association, only 1 in 500-1000 carriers will develop liver injury. Consequently, the positive predictive value of testing the HLA-B*5701 allele for liver injury is very low (0.12%) and routine screening for this allele is not recommended
Properties: Flucloxacillin is a narrow-spectrum antibiotic of the group of isoxazolyl penicillins; it is not inactivated by staphylococcal β-lactamases.
Activity: Flucloxacillin, by its action on the synthesis of the bacterial wall, exerts a bactericidal effect on streptococci except those of group D (Enterococcus faecalis) staphylococci. It is not active against methicillin-resistant staphylococci.
There is evidence that the risk of flucloxacillin induced liver injury is increased in subjects carrying the HLA-B*5701 allele. Despite this strong association, only 1 in 500-1000 carriers will develop liver injury. Consequently, the positive predictive value of testing the HLA-B*5701 allele for liver injury is very low (0.12%) and routine screening for this allele is not recommended
Absorption: E-Flu is stable in acid media and can therefore be administered either by the oral or parenteral route. The peak serum levels of E-Flu reached after one hour are as follows.
- After 250mg by the oral route (in fasting subjects): Approximately 8.8mg/l.
- After 500mg by the oral route (in fasting subjects): Approximately 14.5mg/l.
- After 500mg by the IM route: Approximately 16.5mg/l.
The total quantity absorbed by the oral route represents approximately 79% of the quantity administered.
Distribution: E-Flu diffuses well into most tissue. Specifically, active concentrations of E-Flu have been recovered in bones: 11.6mg/l (compact bone) and 15.6mg/l (spongy bone), with a mean serum level of 8.9mg/l.
Crossing the meningeal barrier: E-Flu diffuses in only small proportion into the cerebrospinal fluid of subjects whose meninges are not inflamed.
Crossing into mothers' milk: E-Flu is excreted in small quantities in mothers' milk.
Metabolism: In normal subjects approximately 10% of the E-Flu administered is metabolised to penicilloic acid. The elimination half-life of E-Flu is in the order of 53 minutes.
Excretion: Excretion occurs mainly through the kidney. Between 65.5% (oral route) and 76.1% (parenteral route) of the dose administered is recovered in unaltered active form in the urine within 8 hours. A small portion of the dose administered is excreted in the bile. The excretion of E-Flu is slowed in cases of renal failure.
Protein binding: The serum protein-binding rate is 95%.
Absorption: Flucloxacillin is stable in acid media and can therefore be administered either by the oral or parenteral route. The peak serum levels of flucloxacillin reached after one hour are as follows.
- After 250 mg by the oral route (in fasting subjects): Approximately 8.8 mg/l.
- After 500 mg by the oral route (in fasting subjects): Approximately 14.5mg/l.
- After 500 mg by the IM route: Approximately 16.5 mg/l.
The total quantity absorbed by the oral route represents approximately 79% of the quantity administered.
Distribution: Flucloxacillin diffuses well into most tissue. Specifically, active concentrations of flucloxacillin have been recovered in bones: 11.6 mg/l (compact bone) and 15.6 mg/l (spongy bone), with a mean serum level of 8.9 mg/l.
Crossing the meningeal barrier: Flucloxacillin diffuses in only small proportion into the cerebrospinal fluid of subjects whose meninges are not inflamed.
Crossing into mother's milk: Flucloxacillin is excreted in small quantities in mother's milk.
Metabolism: In normal subjects approximately 10% of the flucloxacillin administered is metabolised to penicilloic acid. The elimination half-life of flucloxacillin is in the order of 53 minutes.
Excretion: Excretion occurs mainly through the kidney. Between 65.5% (oral route) and 76.1% (parenteral route) of the dose administered is recovered in unaltered active form in the urine within 8 hours. A small portion of the dose administered is excreted in the bile. The excretion of flucloxacillin is slowed in cases of renal failure.
Protein binding: The serum protein-binding rate is 95%.
Before initiating therapy with E-Flu, careful enquiry should be made concerning previous hypersensitivity reactions to β-lactams.
As for other penicillins contact with the skin should be avoided as sensitisation may occur. Patients with a known history of allergy are more likely to develop a hypersensitivity reaction.
Cross-sensitivity between penicillins and cephalosporins is well documented.
Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylaxis) have been reported in patients receiving β-lactam antibiotics. Although anaphylaxis is more frequent following parenteral therapy, it has occurred in patients on oral therapy. These reactions are more likely to occur in individuals with a history of β-lactam hypersensitivity.
If anaphylaxis occurs E-Flu should be discontinued and the appropriate therapy instituted. Serious anaphylactic reactions may require immediate emergency treatment with adrenaline (epinephrine). Ensure adequate airway and ventilation and give 100% oxygen. IV crystalloids, hydrocortisone, antihistamine and nebulised bronchodilators may also be required.
Hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice have been reported. These reactions are related neither to the dose nor to the route of administration. E-Flu should be used with caution in patients with evidence of hepatic dysfunction, patients >50 years or patients with underlying disease all of whom are at increased risk of hepatic reactions. The onset of these hepatic effects may be delayed for up to two months post-treatment. In several cases, the course of the reactions has been protracted and lasted for some months. In very rare cases, a fatal outcome has been reported.
The use of E-Flu (like other penicillins) in patients with renal impairment does not usually require dosage reduction. In the presence of severe renal failure (creatinine clearance less than 10ml/min), however, a reduction in dose or an extension of dose interval should be considered because of the risk of neurotoxicity.
Special caution is essential in the newborn because of the risk of hyperbilirubinaemia. Studies have shown that, at high dose following parenteral administration, E-Flu can displace bilirubin from plasma protein binding sites, and may therefore predispose to kernicterus in a jaundiced baby. In addition, special caution is essential in the newborn because of the potential for high serum levels of E-Flu due to a reduced rate of renal excretion.
During prolonged treatments (e.g. osteomyelitis, endocarditis), regular monitoring of hepatic and renal functions is recommended.
Prolonged use may occasionally result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms.
E-Flu oral solution contains approximately 10.72mg of sodium per 5ml.
The occurrence at the treatment initiation of a feverish generalised erythema associated with pustule may be a symptom of acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP). In case of AGEP diagnosis, E-Flu should be discontinued and any subsequent administration of E-Flu contra-indicated.
Before initiating therapy with flucloxacillin, careful enquiry should be made concerning previous hypersensitivity reactions to β-lactams. Cross-sensitivity between penicillins and cephalosporins is well documented.
Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylaxis) have been reported in patients receiving β-lactam antibiotics. Although anaphylaxis is more frequent following parenteral therapy, it has occurred in patients on oral therapy. These reactions are more likely to occur in individuals with a history of β-lactam hypersensitivity.
If anaphylaxis occurs flucloxacillin should be discontinued and the appropriate therapy instituted. Serious anaphylactic reactions may require immediate emergency treatment with adrenaline (epinephrine). Ensure adequate airway and ventilation and give 100% oxygen. IV crystalloids, hydrocortisone, antihistamine and nebulised bronchodilators may also be required.
Flucloxacillin should be used with caution in patients with evidence of hepatic dysfunction, patients > 50 years and those with serious underlying disease. In these patients, hepatic events may be severe, and in very rare circumstances, deaths have been reported.
The use of flucloxacillin (like other penicillins) in patients with renal impairment does not usually require dosage reduction. In the presence of severe renal failure (creatinine clearance less than 10ml/min), however, a reduction in dose or an extension of dose interval should be considered because of the risk of neurotoxicity.
During prolonged treatments (e.g. osteomyelitis, endocarditis), regular monitoring of hepatic and renal functions is recommended.
Prolonged use may occasionally result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms.
E-Flu capsules contain approximately 51 mg sodium per g. This should be included in the daily allowance of patients on sodium restricted diets.
Adverse effects on the ability to drive or operate machinery have not been observed.
Depends on the age, weight and renal function of the patient, as well as the severity of the infection.
Usual adult dosage (including elderly patients)
Oral- 10ml four times daily
Usual children's dosage
2-10 years: 5ml four times daily
Under 2 years: 2.5ml four times daily
Osteomyelitis, endocarditis:
Up to 8 g daily, in divided doses six to eight hourly. Surgical prophylaxis - 1 to 2 g IV at induction of anaesthesia followed by 500 mg six hourly IV, IM or orally for up to 72 hours.
Abnormal renal function:
In common with other penicillins, E-Flu usage in patients with renal impairment does not usually require dosage reduction. However, in the presence of severe renal failure (creatinine clearance < 10 ml/min) a reduction in dose or an extension of dose interval should be considered. E-Flu is not significantly removed by dialysis and hence no supplementary dosages need to be administered either during, or at the end of the dialysis period
Hepatic impairment:
Dose reduction in patients with reduced hepatic function is not necessary.
Administration
Oral: Oral doses should be administered half to one hour before meals
Premature infants, neonates, sucklings and infants
Other pharmaceutical forms/strengths may be more appropriate for administration to this population.
Depends on the age, weight and renal function of the patient, as well as the severity of the infection.
Usual adult dosage (including elderly patients)
Oral - 250 mg four times a day.
Osteomyelitis, endocarditis - Up to 8 g daily, in divided doses six to eight hourly.
Surgical prophylaxis - 1 to 2 g IV at induction of anaesthesia followed by 500 mg six hourly IV, IM or orally for up to 72 hours.
Usual children's dosage
2-10 years: half adult dose.
Under 2 years: quarter adult dose.
Abnormal renal function: In common with other penicillins, E-Flu usage in patients with renal impairment does not usually require dosage reduction. However, in the presence of severe renal failure (creatinine clearance < 10 ml/min) a reduction in dose or an extension of dose interval should be considered. E-Flu is not significantly removed by dialysis and hence no supplementary dosages need to be administered either during, or at the end of the dialysis period. The maximum recommended dose in adults is 1 g every 8 to 12 hours.
Hepatic impairment1
Dose reduction in patients with reduced hepatic function is not necessary.
Administration
Oral: Oral doses should be administered half to one hour before meals.
To reconstitute, add 58ml of water, replace the lid and shake the bottle well.
None stated.
