FLUMOX (Amoxicillin & Flucloxacillin)

Important Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before using any medication, especially antibiotics. Complete the full course of treatment as prescribed.

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FLUMOX (Amoxicillin & Flucloxacillin): A Comprehensive Guide

Manufacturer: EIPICO (Egyptian International Pharmaceutical Industries Co.)

Category: Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic (Penicillin Combination)

Active Ingredients: A combination of two penicillins:

• Amoxicillin (as trihydrate or sodium salt)
• Flucloxacillin (as monohydrate or sodium salt)

Summary

FLUMOX is a powerful combination antibiotic that contains two active ingredients from the penicillin family: Amoxicillin and Flucloxacillin. This dual-action formula provides a very broad spectrum of activity, making it effective against a wide range of bacterial infections. It is designed to kill bacteria that are both sensitive to standard penicillins and those that have developed resistance by producing an enzyme called penicillinase.

Available Forms and Strengths

Flumox is available in various forms to suit different patient needs and infection severities:

• Capsules: 250mg, 500mg.
• Dry Mix for Oral Suspension: 60ml, 100ml (reconstituted to 125mg/5ml or 250mg/5ml).
• Vials for Injection (IM/IV): 250mg, 500mg, 1g.

Mechanism of Action: Why Two Antibiotics?

The genius of Flumox lies in its synergistic combination:

• Amoxicillin: A broad-spectrum penicillin that is highly effective against many common Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (like Streptococcus, E. coli, H. influenzae). However, it can be destroyed by the penicillinase enzyme, which some bacteria produce to defend themselves.
• Flucloxacillin: A penicillinase-resistant penicillin. Its main job is to target and kill bacteria that produce this enzyme, most notably Staphylococcus aureus (a common cause of skin and soft tissue infections). It protects Amoxicillin from being destroyed.

Together, they provide comprehensive coverage, ensuring that both penicillinase-producing and non-penicillinase-producing bacteria are eliminated.

Indications

Flumox is indicated for a wide range of bacterial infections, including:

• Respiratory Tract Infections: Bronchitis, pneumonia.
• ENT Infections: Sinusitis, tonsillitis, otitis media (middle ear infection).
• Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: Boils, abscesses, cellulitis, infected wounds.
• Bone and Joint Infections: Osteomyelitis, septic arthritis.
• Genito-urinary Tract Infections: Cystitis, pyelonephritis (kidney infection).
• Other severe infections like septicemia and endocarditis (often using the injectable form).

Dosage and Administration

Important: Dosage is determined by the doctor based on the type, severity of infection, age, and patient's condition. Never self-prescribe.

Oral (Capsules & Suspension)

• Adults: 250mg to 500mg every 6-8 hours.
• Children (2-12 years): 250mg (e.g., one teaspoonful of 250mg/5ml suspension) every 6-8 hours.
• Children (up to 2 years): 125mg (e.g., one teaspoonful of 125mg/5ml suspension) every 6-8 hours.

Parenteral (Vials for Injection)

• Administered by a healthcare professional via intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) route.
• Dosage is adjusted based on severity, with higher doses for severe infections like meningitis or endocarditis.

How to Prepare the Suspension

1. Shake the bottle to loosen the dry powder.
2. Add a small amount of clean water and shake well.
3. Top up with water to the mark on the bottle and shake again until fully mixed.
4. Once prepared, the suspension must be stored in the refrigerator and used within 10 days.
5. Shake well before every use.

Contraindications

• Known hypersensitivity (allergy) to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics.

Warnings and Precautions

• Allergy: Before starting treatment, inform your doctor of any previous allergic reactions to antibiotics. If a skin rash, itching, or swelling occurs, stop the medication and consult a doctor immediately.
• Renal Impairment: The dose must be reduced in patients with severe kidney problems.
• Diarrhea: Antibiotic-associated diarrhea can occur. If it is severe or bloody, contact your doctor.

Possible Side Effects

• Common: Mild gastrointestinal upset (nausea, diarrhea), skin rash.
• Less Common: Indigestion, vomiting.
• Rare but Serious: Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), antibiotic-associated colitis.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I have to finish the whole course of Flumox?

Yes. It is crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor, even if you start to feel better. Stopping early can lead to the infection returning and may increase the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Can I take Flumox for a cold or the flu?

No. Flumox is an antibiotic and is only effective against bacterial infections. Colds and the flu are caused by viruses, and antibiotics will not help.

What is the difference between Flumox and Augmentin?

Both are combination antibiotics. Flumox combines Amoxicillin with Flucloxacillin (another penicillin). Augmentin combines Amoxicillin with Clavulanic Acid (a beta-lactamase inhibitor). The choice between them depends on the suspected type of bacteria causing the infection.

Sources

• Drugs.com (Amoxicillin Information)
• Drugs.com (Flucloxacillin Information)
• NCBI StatPearls (Amoxicillin)