Antibiotics in podiatry

Patient Information Leaflet

What medication have you been given to today?

• As part of your treatment today, the Podiatrist has given you antibiotics.

• Antibiotics are used to treat infections and are very effective if taken correctly.

• Please follow the instructions given to you today. These are also written on the label on the box.

• You have been given one of the following types of antibiotics (circle the medication given):

  • Flucloxacillin
  • Erythromycin

• We provide these medicines free of charge when they are needed to treat an infection or when we suspect you may have an infection.

• Podiatrists can only prescribe antibiotics for a maximum of 2 weeks.

What happens next?

• We have booked you another appointment.
• At your next appointment, we will check if the infection has cleared or improved.
• We will then decide if you need any further treatment.
• Please give the antibiotics time to work.
• You may not notice an improvement in your symptoms for a number of days.
• It is important to complete your entire course of treatment, even if you feel better, and come to the follow up appointment we have given you.
• If you feel unwell while at home, experience a rash, diarrhoea, fever, feeling hot/cold, high temperature, please contact our Central Booking Service on 020 3316 1111 Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm.
• In an emergency, please call 999 or go to your nearest emergency department (A&E).
• A full list of possible side effects can be found in the Patient Information Leaflet supplied with your tablets.
• Please take the time to read this leaflet carefully.
• If you are concerned about any side effects, speak to your GP or community Pharmacist.
• You can also report suspected side effects through the Yellow Card Scheme visit: https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/ for further information.

Will I need more antibiotics?

• We will tell you if you need more.
• If the infection has not cleared or we feel that you need more, you may need to go to your GP or to the hospital pharmacy.
• If you usually pay for prescriptions, you may need to pay for any further antibiotics.
• If you do not have to pay for prescriptions, you will not need to pay for these antibiotics.

Contact our service

• Call us on 020 3316 1111 Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm.