Co-fluampicil

About co-fluampicil

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antibiotics.

Co-fluampicil contains two ingredients at equal strength- flucloxacillin and ampicillin. Co-fluampicil is used to treat bacterial infections, such as infections of the chest and throat, by killing bacteria.

Important : Because co-fluampicil contains a type of penicillin it should not be used by those who are allergic to penicillin.

Co-fluampicil is available in capsule (250mg/250mg), oral liquid (125mg/125mg per 5ml spoonful) and injection (250mg/250mg per vial) form.

It is also sometimes known as: Magnapen. You may notice the use of either of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before taking co-fluampicil

Before taking any of this medicine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from kidney or liver problems
• if you have glandular fever
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you have ever had any liver problems as a result of taking flucloxacillin
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to take co-fluampicil

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the printed information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take co-fluampicil at regular intervals and complete the prescribed course. It is important to take the full course, even if you feel your infection has cleared up, to prevent the infection reoccurring.
• Take co-fluampicil half to one hour before food.
• If you notice no improvement after completing your course of co-fluampicil, make an appointment to see your doctor.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of co-fluampicil contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• Co-fluampicil is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside co-fluampicil.
• Some people develop thrush after taking a course of antibiotics. If you think you have thrush speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
• Important: Oral contraceptives can be less effective when taken with co-fluampicil. To prevent an unwanted pregnancy you should use a barrier method of contraception such as a condom while you are taking co-fluampicil and for at least 7 days after the course of treatment has ended. If the week following the antibiotic course runs into your pill free week, the next pack of oral contraceptives should be started immediately, without a break. If you are taking the form of contraceptive pill which is taken every day or need further advice, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Can co-fluampicil cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted symptoms. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following symptoms continue or become troublesome:

nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick), diarrhoea, rashes (discontinue treatment).

Important: If you experience jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) stop taking co-fluampicil and contact your doctor immediately.

Important: If you experience hypersensitivity reactions such as fever (high temperature), joint pain, rashes, swelling of the tongue, face or throat stop taking co-fluampicil and contact your doctor immediately.

Important: If you notice that you are getting a sore throat, fever (high temperature), general aching in your muscles and joints; or unexpected bruising or bleeding, contact your doctor immediately.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store co-fluampicil

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely, out of the reach of children, or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2006   Updated: 07/02/2006