I’m not a doctor I know but…

[Polkadotelf]

My son has got a mild (at the moment) scarlett fever.

I went to pick up the antibiotics this afternoon (prescribed over phone) and GP has prescribed flucloxacillin, I thought the antibiotic of choice was amoxicillin or penicillin.

He’s not got any problem taking the other two/no allergies etc.

I know they’re the medical professional but I’m worried it’s not going to help him improve.

flucloxacillin is a penicillin is it not?

Google says it is.

Flucloxacillin is a penicillin. Hope he's better soon.

Flucloxacillin is a penicillin - I'm allergic to it

It is penicillin!!!

@Polkadotelf If you don’t mind my asking, how was it diagnosed?

It would be unusual to prescribe flucloxacillin for scarlet fever. Flucloxacillin is commonly used for simple skin infections.

Can you check that an error hasn't been made? First check with the pharmacist, tomorrow the GP if he isn't unwell currently? Or could phone 111 who will be able to access his GP records and see what was written.

Thanks all.

It may be because he has some mild signs of impetigo around his mouth, which I know can be related to scarlett fever anyway.

But I will call in the morning.

It’s in the same group of drugs and is used for skin conditions.

I’m allergic to it but not to penicillin or amoxicillin.

@Suzi888

They did a video call, asked me his symptoms and because there have been cases at his school they said they would prescribe to be on safe side and she’s pretty certain it is that.

The NHS website says its usually amoxycillin or penicillin, not flucloxacillin.

No its not, its in the penicillin family, penicillin is PenV.

Nothing wrong with querying it with the Doctor, I'm sure she/he will be able to alleviate your concerns. Given how serious this outbreak seems to be, I think if you're worried at all it's definitely worth a conversation, hope your DC feels better really soon x

There is a big amoxicillin shortage in the US, it could be possible that there are some shortages here too?

Give them a ring. NICE recommend PenV, as do our local area prescribing guidelines (although these can vary depending on where you are). NICE clinical knowledge summary is here: cks.nice.org.uk/topics/scarlet-fever/management/management/

There is apparently a shortage of amoxicillin nationally. I’m wondering if they’ve been told to prescribe alternatives?

The doctor has prescribed flucloxacillin to cover both the Scarlett fever and impitigo. A doctor has more knowledge than guidelines. They are called guidelines for a reason and are here for cost-effective purposes not just for bacterial response. Could be a mistake too maybe but if they said flucloxacillin over the phone they probably meant flucloxacillin.

There are shortages, pharmacies are struggling to get supplies.

Flucloxiciilin is a penecillin based antibiotic. It’s usd to treat skin infections. You mentioned impetigo, maybe gp is hoping it will treat the scarlet fever and impetigo at the same time.
No harm ringing and asking anyway.

so he's been diagnosed as presumed not definite.

I hope he feels better soon