Phenoxymethylpenicillin (Pen V) 250mg Tablets

What is Phenoxymethylpenicillin (penicillin)?

Phenoxymethylpenicillin is an antibiotic (antibacterial medicine) for treating infections. It belongs to a group of antibiotics called “Penicillins”. Phenoxymethylpenicillin works by killing the bacteria that can cause infections. Phenoxymethylpenicillin can also be used to prevent infections.

What is penicillin used for?

Penicillin can be used for a range of infections. The medical team at The Independent Pharmacy can provide this treatment for treating bacterial sore throat (throat infection).

How does penicillin work?

Penicillins belong to a group of antibiotics called β-lactam antibiotics. They work by blocking the production of a key component of the bacterial cell wall. As a result the bacteria's natural membrane is weakened and easily bursts, killing the bacteria.

How long does penicillin take to work?

Sore throats normally are completely treated in 7-10 days.

Alternatives to penicillin

If you have an allergy to penicillin there is an alternative treatment called Clarithromycin that can treat the same infection.

There are also a range of other non-medicinal treatments that can help your sore throat which include:

• Paracetamol or ibuprofen
• Medicated lozenges containing a local anaesthetic, antiseptic, or anti-inflammatory medicine
• Anaesthetic sprays

How to take Phenoxymethylpenicillin

Take TWO tablets (500mg) FOUR times daily (every 6 hours) for 7 days.

Always complete the course in full, even if you feel better.

Phenoxymethylpenicillin Tablets are best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach.

Each dose should be swallowed with a drink of water, at least 30 minutes before food. Try to space the doses as early as possible throughout the day.

The active ingredient is Phenoxymethylpenicillin.

Each tablet contains: 250 mg of Phenoxymethylpenicillin (as Phenoxymethylpenicillin Potassium)

The other ingredients are: Calcium Hydrogen Phosphate Dihydrate, Maize Starch, Cellulose, Microcrystalline (E460), Magnesium Stearate (E572)

Film Coat: Basic Butylated Methacrylate, Macrogol 6000, Sodium Laurylsulfate (E487), Stearic acid (E570), Titanium Dioxide (E171)

Phenoxymethylpenicillin side effects

Like all medicines, Phenoxymethylpenicillin Tablets can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

The most common side effects that people may experience are:

• Vomiting or nausea (a feeling of sickness)
• Diarrhoea
• Thrush or inflammation of the vaginal area
• Soft stools

If you experience any of the following, stop taking the tablets and tell your doctor Immediately:

• An allergic reaction- symptoms such as shortness of breath, skin rash or itching, skin eruptions, swelling of your lips, face or tongue, chills or fever or painful joints, dizziness, allergic reactions may also cause effects to the blood and kidneys
• Fits or convulsions (usually following high doses or if you suffer from severe kidney damage)
• Numbness or tingling of the hands and feet

For the full list of side effects please see the information leaflet provided with your medicine

Phenoxymethylpenicillin warnings

Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before taking Phenoxymethylpenicillin Tablets: -

• If you know that you are allergic to cephalosporins, any other antibiotic or any of the ingredients in your medicine
• If you suffer from kidney problems
• If you suffer from liver problems
• If you suffer any blood disorders
• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from bronchial asthma or suffer from a tendency to develop allergic conditions such as hay fever or eczema.
• If you suffer from persistent diarrhoea or vomiting caused by stomach or intestinal problems or being sick, or are suffering from any gut disorder which may affect the way your body absorbs the medicine
• if you have suffered severe diarrhoea following previous treatment with antibiotics
• You are on a low-potassium diet. Each Phenoxymethylpenicillin 250 mg tablet contains 28 mg of potassium. This potassium content needs to be taken into consideration by patients with kidney problems or patients on a controlled potassium diet
• If you have a severe illness
• If you are on long-term treatment with Penicillin

Sources

• Patient information leaflet
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/...
• https://www.webmd.com/oral-hea...
  
• https://www.nice.org.uk/guidan...